How are new laws developed?
Why are new laws needed?
New laws are needed to address issues in society or to update old laws (legislation) to better reflect current times. For example, the law may need to change because of new technology, social changes or because of an emergency, like the threat of terrorism or a pandemic.
New laws may also be created in response to public pressure generated by lobbying and campaigns. Following a general election, the government will introduce new laws to fulfil manifesto commitments.
New laws are sometimes needed to make sure the UK follows international rules or in response to decisions made in the courts. Laws can also be introduced following recommendations from public inquiries, select committees and the Law Commission.
The government proposes new laws (known as bills) and changes to existing laws, and these are often set out in the King's Speech at the start of each parliamentary session. However, new laws can also be suggested by a backbench MP or member of the Lords.
Find out more about bills.
Who is consulted about changes to the law?
Before the government introduces proposals for law into Parliament, they often consult with interested parties such as professional bodies, voluntary organisations and pressure groups.
The government may publish one or more consultation papers, called green papers, on their proposals while they are still taking shape and invite comments and feedback from the public. Open consultations are listed on the government website [external site].
At the end of a consultation the government will usually publish their response, alongside a summary of the views gathered from consultees.
Following a consultation, the government may publish a white paper containing plans for legislative change. It is not mandatory on the government to publish white or green papers before presenting a bill to Parliament, however.
More information can be found in the Commons Library briefing paper on government consultations.
Draft Bills and pre-legislative scrutiny
A draft bill is published to allow for consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny before a bill is formally introduced into Parliament. Almost all draft bills are government bills.
Draft bills are often referred to departmental select committees in the House of Commons or to joint committees of Lords and MPs. This allows MPs and Lords to have early influence on the bill. This process is known as pre-legislative scrutiny.
Find out more about draft bills before Parliament .
Do laws apply to the whole of the UK?
Some laws apply to the whole of the UK.
However, laws may apply to one or more constituent parts - for example, only to England and Wales. The UK Parliament has delegated law-making powers in certain policy areas to the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly, rather than the UK Parliament.
Find out more about devolved Parliaments and Assemblies.
