Lords debates private members’ bills

What is a private member's bill? 

A private member's bill is a type of public bill introduced by an individual member of the house rather than the government. Public bills affect everyone. Private members' bills must go through the same set of procedures as other public bills. 

Final check of draft law

Third reading is a chance for members to ‘tidy up' a bill, making sure the eventual law is effective and workable – without loopholes.

One bill was considered at third reading:

Status of Workers Bill

Sponsored by Lord Hendy (Labour), this bill sets out to amend employment rights and trade union legislation to give statutory employment rights to all workers other than the genuinely self-employed.

There was one technical amendment to ensure consistency of Secretary of State powers under the two existing Acts impacted by the bill. 

• Read the text of proposed changes (PDF)
• Catch up on Parliament TV
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript

Find out more about the Status of Workers Bill.

Next steps

Following completion of third reading, the bill now passes to the Commons for its consideration.

Key debates on draft laws

Second reading is the first opportunity for members of the Lords to debate the key principles and main purpose of a bill. Here members get the chance to raise any concerns or specific areas where they think amendments (changes) are needed.

Two bills were debated at second reading:

Digital Economy Act 2017 (Commencement of Part 3) Bill

Introduced by Lord Morrow (Democratic Unionist Party), this bill seeks to bring into force the remaining sections of Part 3 of the Digital Economy Act 2017, which relates to age verification for online pornography.

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

Find out more about the Digital Economy Act 2017 (Commencement of Part 3) Bill.

Next steps

Committee stage, the first chance for line by line examination of the bill, has yet to be scheduled.

Representation of the People (Young People’s Enfranchisement) Bill

Sponsored by Lord Adonis (Labour), this bill aims to reduce the voting age to 16 for UK parliamentary elections and all local elections in England.

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

Learn more about the Representation of the People (Young People’s Enfranchisement) Bill.

Next steps

Committee stage, the first chance for line by line examination of the bill, has yet to be scheduled.

Image: Roger Harris