The process when making an act of
Parliament
An issue or problem emerges on the government's agenda
In government, other events and influences also compete for ministers' attention. Unexpected crises,
such as an act of terrorism or a natural disaster, may require an urgent response. The UK's
European Union commitments can lead to new legislation. Campaigning by special interest groups,
private citizens or other politicians - often through the media - may raise the profile of particular
causes or problems. More widely, the media's reporting on issues, government and Parliament all
inform and influence Britain's political agenda.
Ideas for addressing an issue are considered
Identifying an issue is one thing. Deciding what to do about it is another. Proposals for addressing
particular goals or problems may come from a variety of sources. The political party is one.
Governing and opposition parties are expected to have policies on a range of issues, such as
taxation, health and education. Recommendations for new laws may also come from public inquiries,
civil servants or lobbyist and campaign groups. No matter where a policy idea originates, it normally
won't get far without the backing of a government minister. This is because ministers are in a
position to champion an idea to government colleagues.
Interested people and groups are consulted
Even a minister's backing, however, isn't enough to guarantee an idea will find its way to Parliament
and become a law. Ministers normally - where time allows - shape and inform their proposals by
consulting with experts, interest groups and people likely to be affected by the plans. Often, these
interested parties are asked to comment on a 'green paper' - an initial outline of an idea. Sometimes
a 'white paper' will be produced, which is a firmer statement of the government's intentions.
Cabinet ministers must agree which proposals to take
forward
Having consulted on a proposal, government ministers then aim to persuade colleagues to support
the idea. The merits of various policies are debated in cabinet committees, made up of ministers
from across government and chaired by a senior member of the cabinet. Even with approval from a
cabinet committee, a proposal must still be selected by the committee responsible for drawing up the
government's legislative programme. The Legislation Committee makes the final decision as to
whether a proposal will be presented to Parliament for scrutiny by MPs and peers.
Proposals are made into 'bills'
Parliament
An issue or problem emerges on the government's agenda
In government, other events and influences also compete for ministers' attention. Unexpected crises,
such as an act of terrorism or a natural disaster, may require an urgent response. The UK's
European Union commitments can lead to new legislation. Campaigning by special interest groups,
private citizens or other politicians - often through the media - may raise the profile of particular
causes or problems. More widely, the media's reporting on issues, government and Parliament all
inform and influence Britain's political agenda.
Ideas for addressing an issue are considered
Identifying an issue is one thing. Deciding what to do about it is another. Proposals for addressing
particular goals or problems may come from a variety of sources. The political party is one.
Governing and opposition parties are expected to have policies on a range of issues, such as
taxation, health and education. Recommendations for new laws may also come from public inquiries,
civil servants or lobbyist and campaign groups. No matter where a policy idea originates, it normally
won't get far without the backing of a government minister. This is because ministers are in a
position to champion an idea to government colleagues.
Interested people and groups are consulted
Even a minister's backing, however, isn't enough to guarantee an idea will find its way to Parliament
and become a law. Ministers normally - where time allows - shape and inform their proposals by
consulting with experts, interest groups and people likely to be affected by the plans. Often, these
interested parties are asked to comment on a 'green paper' - an initial outline of an idea. Sometimes
a 'white paper' will be produced, which is a firmer statement of the government's intentions.
Cabinet ministers must agree which proposals to take
forward
Having consulted on a proposal, government ministers then aim to persuade colleagues to support
the idea. The merits of various policies are debated in cabinet committees, made up of ministers
from across government and chaired by a senior member of the cabinet. Even with approval from a
cabinet committee, a proposal must still be selected by the committee responsible for drawing up the
government's legislative programme. The Legislation Committee makes the final decision as to
whether a proposal will be presented to Parliament for scrutiny by MPs and peers.
Proposals are made into 'bills'
