The Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Bill is a Government bill which would repeal the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act 2011. It also would revive the prerogative power to dissolve Parliament and call a new Parliament. Second reading of the bill in the House of Lords is scheduled to take place on 24 November 2021.
Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Bill (369 KB , PDF)
Under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act 2011 (FTPA), the interval between general elections is set at five years. Parliament can only be dissolved earlier than this in the following circumstances: if a motion to hold an early election is passed in the House of Commons by a two-thirds majority; or if the government loses a vote of no confidence and no alternative government is formed within 14 days.
The Government has said it intends to repeal the FTPA and re-establish the prerogative powers used to dissolve and recall Parliament before the passing of the FTPA. The Government has argued that, during the 2017–19 parliament, these restrictions on the ability of the prime minister to call an early general election had led to parliamentary gridlock. It has also argued that the FTPA is undemocratic as it has prevented general elections that might otherwise have taken place.
The Labour Party has also stated its support for repealing the FTPA. However, it has argued the House of Commons should retain the power to dissolve Parliament.
The Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Bill was introduced by the Government in the House of Commons on 12 May 2021. The bill is intended to:
During second reading and committee stage, MPs raised concerns about the bill. Labour and SNP MPs argued that, by re-establishing the prerogative power to dissolve Parliament, the Government would be able to time general elections to their own advantage. MPs also debated whether the Government should reduce the length of the election period.
The bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 14 September 2021.
Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Bill (369 KB , PDF)
The Environment Act 2021 requires the government to publish an environmental principles policy statement outlining how environmental principles should be interpreted and applied by ministers when making policy. A draft of the first statement to be made under the act was laid before Parliament on 11 May 2022 and is due to be discussed by the Lords on 30 June 2022.
Members of both Houses of Parliament are expected to abide by the seven principles of public life, also known as the Nolan Principles, and to the principles and rules set out in each House’s code of conduct. In addition, ministers are expected to follow the ministerial code. Declines in public trust in government and politicians often follow episodes of perceived declines in standards, such as after the 2009 media coverage of politicians’ expenses.
The House of Lords Constitution Committee published a report in 2021 raising concerns about the government’s approach to introducing emergency measures and laws during the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, the committee believed there was limited opportunity for Parliament to properly scrutinise the measures and there were issues of legal clarity. This article summarises the report and the government’s response, and links to other recent committee reports on parliamentary scrutiny.
