Lords debates private members’ bills at second reading

These draft laws address: 

• seizure of cultural objects
• the needs of people with Down Syndrome
• compulsory motor insurance
• animal welfare penalty notices

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.  

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. 

Four bills were debated at second reading:

Cultural Objects (Protection from Seizure) Bill

Introduced by Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Conservative), this bill seeks to extend by up to three months the protection from seizure or forfeiture given to cultural objects on loan to approved museums in England and Scotland.

Find out more about the Cultural Objects (Protection from Seizure) Bill.

Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Down Syndrome Bill

Introduced by Baroness Hollins (Crossbench), this bill aims to ensure that certain health, education, and local authorities take account of the specific needs of people with Down Syndrome when exercising their relevant functions.

Find out more about the Down Syndrome Bill.

Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Motor Vehicles (Compulsory Insurance) Bill

Introduced by Lord Robathan (Conservative), this bill seeks to reverse a 2014 decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union that expanded the types of vehicles required to have compulsory third-party motor insurance.

Find out more about the Motor Vehicles (Compulsory Insurance) Bill.

Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill

Introduced by Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Conservative), this bill will introduce a new system of proportionate, consistent, and targeted financial penalties for breaches of animal health, biosecurity, and welfare regulations.  

Find out more about the Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill.

Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

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Image: copyright House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris