How are laws made?

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Understanding the Process of Law-making in the UK

The process of law-making can seem complex and distant, especially if you're just getting to grips with how the country is run. But understanding it can really empower you and make you realise how possible it is to influence change in society. From petitions you might sign to discussions you partake in, knowing how laws are made in the UK is crucial for every citizen, including teenagers.

The Background of Law-making

In the United Kingdom, the making of laws is a detailed process involving several stages, and it falls primarily within the remit of Parliament. Parliament is divided into two houses: the House of Commons, which is made up of MPs (Members of Parliament) who are elected by the public, and the House of Lords, comprising life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers. Both Houses play vital roles in the creation of laws, which once approved, are given the Royal Assent by the Monarch and become law.

The Key Stages Of Law-making

1. First Reading: This stage is essentially the presentation of a new Bill (proposed law) in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords. The Bill's title and main objectives are introduced, but no debate occurs.
2. Second Reading: This is the first opportunity for MPs or Lords to debate the main principles behind the Bill. It is scrutinised for its necessity and potential impact.
3. Committee Stage: The Bill is then examined in detail by a committee, which in the House of Commons is typically a Public Bill Committee or in certain cases the whole house in the form of Committee of the Whole House. At this stage, amendments can be proposed to modify parts of the Bill.
4. Report Stage: This stage allows further examination of the Bill and is the last chance to make amendments. It differs from the committee stage in that it takes place in the original House rather than in committee.
5. Third Reading: Members debate the final contents of the Bill, as amended. It is another chance to discuss and highlight different aspects before the vote.
6. House of Lords/Commons: Once a Bill has gone through all the stages in its initial House, it is sent to the other House to go through a similar process. It's crucial that both Houses agree on the exact content of the Bill.
7. Royal Assent: After both Houses agree on the text of the Bill, it is sent to the Monarch for approval. Once the Royal Assent is given, the Bill becomes law.

Private Members' Bills

While government ministers often propose bills, any MP or member of the Lords can propose legislation in what is known as a Private Members' Bill. These are often used to address issues that may not be on the government's immediate agenda but are important to specific groups or the general populace. For example, the abolition of the death penalty in the UK in 1965 started as a Private Members' Bill introduced by Sydney Silverman, an MP.

The Real-life Impact on Young People

Laws profoundly influence your daily life, from educational policies to environmental regulations and even the rules about when and where you can work part-time jobs. Understanding how these laws are made can help you see the bigger picture and get involved in issues that matter to you. Participating in democratic processes like voting, campaigning, or even starting petitions can influence lawmakers and contribute to changes in the law. This engagement is vital for exercising your rights and responsibilities as a citizen.

Practical Strategies for Teenagers to Engage with Law-making

• Education: Start by understanding the basics of your government's function. Educational websites, school courses in civics, or community workshops can be great resources.
• Follow debates: Watching debates in Parliament on television or online can help you understand current issues and different viewpoints.
• Participate in youth parliaments: Many areas offer youth parliament positions where teens can actually debate on real issues. This gives a first-hand experience of the legislative process.
• Start or sign petitions: If there's an issue you feel strongly about, starting or signing a petition can be a powerful tool for change. Reach the required number of signatures and your issue could be debated in Parliament.
• Use social media wisely: Raising awareness and support for certain laws can be effectively done through platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Make sure your messages are well-informed and constructive.

Understanding the process of how laws are made is more than an academic exercise; it's an essential part of engaging effectively with the world around you. By becoming more informed, you can play an active role in shaping the laws and policies that impact your life and the lives of those around you.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

• Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
• The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.