House of Lords pauses for recess
26 July 2019 (updated on 26 July 2019)
The House of Lords pauses for summer recess and is back to business in September. Catch up on the latest legislation, committee work and debates.
Legislation
Access to Palliative Care Bill
This draft law had its second reading, the debate on the bill's key principles and purpose, on Friday 14 June. Committee stage, a detailed line by line check, has yet to be scheduled.
Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill
This bill completed its Lords stages on Wednesday 12 June. It is currently with the Commons for its consideration.
Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill
The bill had its report stage, a further chance to examine the bill and make changes, on Wednesday 24 July. Third reading, a chance to 'tidy up' the bill and make changes, is scheduled for 10 September.
Census (Return Particulars and Removal of Penalties) Bill
The bill had its third reading on Wednesday 26 June, and is now with the Commons for its consideration.
Courts and Tribunals (Online Procedure) Bill
Following the completion of third reading on Tuesday 2 July, the bill passes to the Commons for its consideration.
Holocaust (Return of Cultural Objects) (Amendment) Bill
The bill completed its Lords stages on Tuesday 2 July, and received Royal Assent on Thursday 4 July when it became an Act of Parliament (law).
Kew Gardens Bill
Following third reading on Tuesday 11 June, this draft law passed to the Commons for its consideration. The bill was passed and will now be sent for Royal Assent.
Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill
Following agreement by both Houses on the text of the bill it received Royal Assent on 24 July. The bill is now an Act of Parliament (law).
Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Bill
Line by line scrutiny at committee stage took place on Monday 22 July. Report stage – further line by line examination of the bill - is scheduled for 3 September.
Wild Animals in Circuses (No. 2) Bill
The bill completed its Lords stages and became law on Wednesday 24 July.
Committee work
New committees
Four new special investigative committees kicked off year-long inquiries:
- Democracy and Digital Technologies
- Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 Committee
- Food, Poverty, Health and the Environment Committee
- Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry Committee
International Relations Committee
The International Relations Committee published its report recommending that the UK engage more closely with the Pacific Alliance on free trade, open markets and democracy.
Economic Affairs Committee
The Economic Affairs Committee recommended the government immediately spend £8 billion to restore social care to 'acceptable standards'.
EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee
The EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee published its follow-up report on wasteful fish discarding, six months on from the EU landing obligation coming into force.
Debates
The House of Lords debates the issues of the day, allowing members to put their expertise to good use. Topics of recent debates include:
- Knife crime and government policy
- Recent benefits changes and vulnerable people
- Post-18 education and funding
- Workplace opportunities for young people
- Protection of the NHS
- Persecution of religious people
- Business and employment growth
- The future of trade unions
Further information
- Visiting the House of Lords – watch the Lords at work
- Work of the House of Lords – making laws
- Follow @ukhouseoflords on Twitter
- Like House of Lords on Facebook
- Watch House of Lords videos on YouTube
- View House of Lords images on Flickr
- Connect with members on the Lords Digital Chamber
Image: House of Lords / Roger Harris