House of Lords meets on 30 December

• Catch up on Parliament TV
• Read a Lords Hansard transcript

The House of Lords currently meets in hybrid proceedings, enabling members to contribute and vote online.

European Union (Future Relationship) Bill

The House of Lords considered the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill at all stages on 30 December.

• Read a report from the Lords Constitution Committee
• Read a House of Lords Library briefing on ratifying a deal with the EU and recalling the House.

More than 120 members contributed during second reading of the bill, which is the main debate on the principles and purpose of the draft law. Speakers included a former Lord Chief Justice, a former Permanent Representative to the EU and several former MEPs.

Second reading also saw the maiden speech of Lord Austin of Dudley (Non-affiliated) and the valedictory speech of Lord Cavendish of Furness (Conservative). 

Members proposed two changes to motions on stages of the bill. Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour) put forward a motion to regret as a change to the second reading motion, and Lord Newby (Liberal Democrat) tabled a motion to decline passing the bill. Votes (Divisions) were held online on each of these motions.

Following the completion of all stages through the House of Lords, the bill received Royal Assent and became the European Union (Future Relationship) Act.

Coronavirus Regulations

Members also debated three new statutory instruments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic:

• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers and Obligations of Undertakings) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2020

These new regulations were made under the 'affirmative procedure', which means they must be debated and approved by both Houses of Parliament.