Lords debates two private members' bills
4 April 2022
Members of the Lords discussed the main principles and purpose of two private members' bills during second reading, on Friday 1 April.
These draft laws address:
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.
Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Bill
Introduced by Baroness Sugg (Conservative), this bill seeks to address the practice of child marriage in England and Wales, by raising the minimum age of marriage and civil partnerships to 18 years old.
Find out more about the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Bill.
Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.
Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Bill
Introduced by Lord McLoughlin (Conservative), this bill seeks to reduce discrimination against disabled passengers accessing taxi and private hire vehicles by creating new offences aimed at drivers and operators.
Find out more about the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Bill.
Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.
Catch up
Watch and read
Catch up on Parliament TV or read a Lords Hansard transcript
Next steps
Both bills are scheduled to have their Committee stage, the first chance for line by line examination of a bill, on 7 April.
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