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Constitutional Reform Bill [HL] 2009-10

Type of Bill:
Private Members' Bill (Starting in the House of Lords)
Sponsor:
Lord Willoughby de Broke

Progress of the Bill

Bill started in the House of Lords

  1. House of Lords
    1. 1st reading
    2. 2nd reading
    3. Committee stage
    4. Report stage
    5. 3rd reading
  2. House of Commons
    1. 1st reading
    2. 2nd reading
    3. Committee stage
    4. Report stage
    5. 3rd reading
  3. Consideration of Amendments
  4. Royal Assent

Last event

Latest Bill

House Bill Date
Lords HL Bill 14 09-10 (as introduced) (PDF, 450KB) 20.11.2009

Latest news on the Bill

During second reading of the Bill on 5 February, a wide-ranging discussion took place on issues including House of Lords reform and the parliamentary system.

The 2009-10 session of parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Summary of the Bill

The Constitutional Reform Bill was introduced on 19 November 2009 by Lord Willoughby de Broke. Lord Willoughby de Broke also introduced the Bill in the 2008-09 session of Parliament on 2 July 2009.

 

Key areas

  • The Bill would repeal the European Communities Act 1972 and the Human Rights Act 1998.
  • The House of Commons would be reduced in size to 250 Members and left in charge only of “national reserved matters”, defined as: the national treasury; defence; foreign affairs; border control; criminal law; agriculture; fisheries and food; national energy and transport policy; the national education curriculum and teaching qualifications; and medical and nursing qualifications.
  • Legislative responsibility for areas which are not defined as “national reserved matters” would be devolved to local authorities.
  • MPs would be limited to a salary of £30,000, with an expense allowance of up to £170,000.
  • The Commons would not sit for more than 100 days in a year unless in an emergency.
  • The Bill would introduce binding referendum powers at national and local level.
  • Within seven years of the passing of the Act, a national referendum would be held on reform of the House of Lords.
    The approval of Parliament would be required to enter into international treaties or declare war.

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Related information

Guide to the passage of a Bill

Find out what happens at each stage of a Public Bill’s journey through Parliament with the Passage of a Bill guide.

When does a Bill become law?

Explanation of what happens after Bills have been passed, and when laws may change.