Private Member's Bill

A Private Member's Bill is a proposed law introduced by a member of parliament, whether from the government or the opposition side, to that legislature or parliament. In most parliaments within the Westminster System of parliamentary democracy, the overwhelming majority of Bills introduced are proposed by members of the Cabinet. However some parliamentary time is often set aside so that backbenchers may introduce Bills also.

Related Topics:
Law - Parliament - Legislature - Westminster System - Bill - Cabinet - Backbencher

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In reality, few backbench Private Member's Bills make it to enactment. In some cases, controversial measures that a government does not want to take responsibility for may be introduced by backbenchers, with the government secretly backing the measure and ensuring its passage. The Abortion Act 1967 was enacted in the United Kingdom through this means. The Act itself was introduced by a Liberal Party Member of Parliament, David Steel, but was enacted through the support that came from Harold Wilson's Home Secretary, Roy Jenkins.

Related Topics:
Abortion Act 1967 - United Kingdom - Liberal Party - David Steel - Harold Wilson - Home Secretary - Roy Jenkins

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The United Kingdom parliament has a long history of enacting Private Member's Bills. In contrast Oireachtas Éireann (Ireland's two chamber parliament) rarely passes Private Members Bills, with the overwhelming number of Bills being passed all being introduced by members of the Irish government.

Related Topics:
United Kingdom parliament - Oireachtas Éireann

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In the United Kingdom parliament, there are twenty private member's bills debated in each session. Who is allowed to table a bill is decided by ballot in advance. Private member's bills can sometimes become the cause for much anxiety and shenannigans as outside individuals or organisations seek to influence members who are able to table bills.

Related Topics:
Table - Ballot

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There are two principal routes for influencing UK law:

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• Lobbying a government department or minister.
• Lobbying a member of parliament who has a private members bill coming up.
 
Private Member's Bill: The UK Parliamentary procedure for a Private Member's Bill ►