How Are Laws Made in England?

Lawmakers

The primary law-making body of England is the Parliament at Westminster. The Welsh Assembly and the Scottish Parliament also have the ability to make laws. Some environmental laws have also been made by the European Union. How these laws are made differs depending on the law.

Government Bills

The Government Bills are bills that represent the policy of the government. The minister introduces government bills to the Parliament. Like in the United States, if the parliament is controlled by a large majority, most of the laws proposed will be passed. However, these laws can be amended.

Private Bills

Private individuals and institutions can also propose that certain laws be passed. Any individual from a political party can propose a bill, even though these bills are rarely passed. Highly influential organizations can also propose bills. The organization must have a petition signed by a certain number of individuals before the bill can be presented to the Parliament.

Bill Source

The idea of a bill often comes from pressure groups, election promises and the input of experts in a variety of fields. The European Union has also been known to place pressure on the United Kingdom to pass legislation.