Menu
UK Parliament

House of Lords back to business

30 August 2018

Image of UK Parliament portcullis

The House of Lords returns to work on Tuesday 4 September. Get the latest on the work of the House on draft laws, debates on key issues and committee scrutiny.

Legislation

Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Bill

The draft law seeks to allow law enforcement agencies to apply for a UK court order to get stored electronic data directly from a company or person based outside the UK. It begins committee stage, its line by line check, on Wednesday 5 September.

House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) (Abolition of By-Elections) Bill

This bill aims to stop hereditary seats in the House of Lords being filled under the current system of by-elections; instead, they would remain vacant. The second day of committee stage is scheduled for Friday 7 September.

Ivory Bill

The bill aims to ban the sale of ivory and ivory products. It begins committee stage on Monday 10 September.

Mental Capacity (Amendment) Bill

The Bill aims to update the law around treatment for people who lack capacity to consent. The draft law begins committee stage on Wednesday 5 September.

Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Bill

The key debate on the purpose and principles of the bill (second reading) is scheduled for Friday 7 September. The aim of the bill is to change the law around the appropriate use of force in mental health units and similar institutions.

Trade Bill

The second reading debate is scheduled for Tuesday 11 September. The bill aims to establish a Trade Remedies Authority and define its powers.

Lords Select Committees

Select committee reports are debated in the House of Lords, allowing members of the committee to bring their findings to wider attention, as well as providing a further opportunity for members of the House to question the government.

International Relations Committee

The Committee investigated the General Assembly of the United Nations, and published its report on 27 June 2018. The House of Lords will debate the report on Thursday 6 September.

Committee evidence sessions

House of Lords committees investigate broad, long-term issues and publish reports on their findings. The following committees are hearing from expert witnesses:

The Committee will hear from witnesses from 11.30 on Tuesday 4 September.

The Committee is currently investigating internet regulation. They will hear from witnesses from 3.30 on Tuesday 4 September.

The Committee will hear from witnesses from 2.45 on Tuesday 4 September

The Committee is continuing its enquiry into foreign policy in changed world conditions. From 10.40am on Wednesday 5 September, the committee will hear from:

  • Sir Martin Donnelly KCB, CMG, Permanent Secretary for the Department for International Trade 2016-2017
  • Sir Simon Fraser GCMG, Permanent Under-Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service 2010-2015
  • Ms Bronwen Maddox, Director, Institute for Government
  • Dr Robin Niblett CMG, Director, Chatham House

Debates

Debates allow members to put their experience to good use, debating the issues of the day. On Thursday 6 September, members will debate:

  • NHS and healthcare data, and how that data could be used to improve the health of the nation
  • The case for high-quality careers education and advice to be available to all students

See the members due to speak in the debates

Further information

Related news