Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has expressed strong emotions after legislation she introduced in the Commons is set to fall in the House of Lords. Leadbeater described her reaction as a “mixture of feeling extremely disappointed and upset and too quite angry.”
Potential Paths for the Legislation
We find MPs willing to bring the same bill forward during the next session. This could happen if they are successful in the private members’ bill ballot, which may guarantee debating time during Friday sittings.
Leadbeater stated her hope that the bill could clear the Commons once more. This may allow for an agreement to be reached with peers regarding specific amendments.
The Use of Parliament Acts
Leadbeater acknowledged that the powers within the Parliament Acts could potentially be used to prevent the legislation from falling again. Under this rarely used legislation, if an identical bill passes the Commons a second time, it would become law at the complete of that second session.
In such a scenario, the Lords would be unable to prevent the bill from progressing, even without their approval. However, Leadbeater noted, “We don’t want to get to that stage, we want this to go through the normal legislative process.”
Opposition and Alternative Proposals
Baroness Grey-Thompson, who opposes the bill, argued that the legislation is “poorly written” and was “written in haste.” She stated that while she is “not against the principle,” there are too many gaps and not nearly enough safeguards in place.
Grey-Thompson dismissed criticisms regarding the number of amendments tabled as a “red herring.” She maintained that peers have been scrutinizing the bill line by line, and the lack of safeguards is the primary reason for its failure.
Meanwhile, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, the bill’s sponsor in the Lords, has tabled a different proposal. This would allow peers to discuss the issue more generally on Friday, rather than continuing to progress through the amendment paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the Parliament Acts are used?
If an identical bill passes the Commons a second time under the Parliament Acts, it would become law at the end of that second session, even without the approval of the House of Lords.
Why does Baroness Grey-Thompson oppose the bill?
She believes the bill was written in haste, is poorly written, and contains too many gaps and insufficient safeguards, despite her not being against the general principle.
What is Lord Falconer of Thoroton proposing?
Lord Falconer has proposed that peers discuss the issue more generally on Friday instead of continuing to make progress through the amendment paper.
Do you believe the legislative process should prioritize the will of the elected Commons or the scrutiny of the Lords?
