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It's not often a private members' bill steals the limelight.

But Kim Leadbeater's bill on assisted dying will be the big moment this week. It's a free vote, so MPs won't be under pressure from their parties to vote a certain way. Here's a thread I wrote on how the bill works.

We also get two new government bills.

One of them cuts business rates for many high street shops and introduces VAT on private school fees. The other phases out the sale of tobacco products. It's largely the same bill the last government introduced, which didn't pass before the general election.

MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER

Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England
Aims to rebalance business rates by cutting taxes for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties worth under £500,000 from 2026, and increasing them for those worth more than £500,000. These are the top 1% of properties which include large distribution warehouses used by online giants like Amazon. Until 2026, RHL properties will get 40% off business rates bills up to £110,000. Also introduces VAT on private school fees, and scraps existing business rates discounts of up to 80% for private schools with charitable status.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER

Treatment of Terminal Illness Bill
Concerns the liability of medical professionals who prescribe unlicensed medicine to or carries out a non-standard treatment on a terminally ill person. Ten minute rule motion presented by Siobhan McDonagh. More information not yet available.

Tobacco and Vapes Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Aims to create a smoke-free generation while restricting how vapes are marketed and sold to children. Bans the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. Gives the government powers to restrict the packaging, contents, and flavouring of vaping and nicotine products, among other things.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER

E-Scooters (Review and Awareness) Bill
Requires the government to publish a review of existing laws and guidance on e-scooters, and to promote public awareness of those laws. Ten minute rule motion presented by Jessica Morden.

Finance Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Implements the spending measures announced in the Budget.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

THURSDAY 28 NOVEMBER

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England and Wales
Legalises assisted dying for terminally ill adults. Private members' bill presented by Kim Leadbeater.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill – 2nd reading
Regulates the import of dogs, cats, and ferrets, aiming to ensure their health and safety during transportation and deter illegal trade practices. Private members' bill presented by Danny Chambers.
Bill not yet published

Palestine Statehood (Recognition) (No. 2) Bill - 2nd reading
Recognises the state of Palestine. Private members' bill presented by Shockat Adam.
Bill not yet published

Special Envoy for International Freedom of Religion or Belief Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Requires the government to appoint a Special Envoy for International Freedom of Religion or Belief. Private members' bill presented by Jim Shannon.
Bill not yet published

Animals in Medical Research (Prohibition) Bill – 2nd reading
Bans the use of animals in medical research. Private members' bill presented by Steve Race.
Bill not yet published

Employment Rights (Special Constables) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires employers to give workers time off to perform their duties as a special constable, a type of volunteer police officer. Similar rights exist for magistrates and independent prison monitors. Private members' bill presented by Ashley Fox.
Bill not yet published

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires employers to take proactive measures to prevent violence and harassment in the workplace. Requires the Health and Safety Executive to publish a framework on violence and harassment in the workplace, including violence against women and girls. Private members' bill presented by Liz Saville Roberts.
Bill not yet published

Covid-19 Vaccine Damage Bill - 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Requires the government to establish an independent review of disablement caused by Covid-19 vaccinations, and the adequacy of the compensation offered to the people affected. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Draft bill (PDF)

Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Applies to: England, Wales
Requires dog owners to pay full compensation to farmers if livestock are killed in dog attacks. Currently a convicted dog owner can only be fined £1,000. Also requires police to record dog attacks on livestock, and allows them to obtain DNA from suspect dogs. Private members' bill presented by Aphra Brandreth.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

Football (Gender Equality) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish proposals to improve gender inequality in football. Private members' bill presented by James MacCleary.
Bill not yet published

Carers and Care Workers Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish and implement a Care Workers Employment Strategy, with the aim of improving the recruitment and retention of care workers, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Helen Morgan.
Bill not yet published

Bus Services Bill – 2nd reading
Requires every town with a population of more than 10,000 to have a regular bus service operating seven days a week, serving local health services including hospitals and GP surgeries. Private members' bill presented by Helen Morgan.
Bill not yet published

Children's Hospices (Funding) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to review the funding of children's hospices and publish proposals to guarantee access to hospices for all children who need palliative care. Private members' bill presented by Ian Byrne.
Bill not yet published

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MPs debate two new government bills this week.

On Monday they'll look at creating an independent Armed Forces Commissioner to advocate for members of the Armed Forces. Then on Wednesday they debate the latest financial package for Ukraine.

On Monday MPs also sign off select committee appointments.

They'll approve members of the finance committee, the new modernisation committee, and the Restoration and Renewal Programme Board which oversees plans to refurbish the Palace of Westminster. This is all just a formality, though.

And the Lords debate Great British Energy, among other things.

They also cover bills on the Crown Estate, data use, and the water industry, which will all soon continue onto the Commons.

MONDAY 18 NOVEMBER

Armed Forces Commissioner Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Establishes an independent Armed Forces Commissioner to support the welfare of Armed Forces personnel and their families. The Commissioner will have powers to investigate issues, report findings to Parliament, and make recommendations to improve service life. Replaces the Service Complaints Ombudsman.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER

Aviation (Accessibility) Bill
Aims to make flying more accessible for disabled passengers by scrapping the compensation limit for damage to wheelchairs and other mobility equipment on domestic flights. Also allows the Civil Aviation Authority to enforce accessibility requirements. Ten minute rule motion presented by Daniel Francis.

Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill – consideration of Lords amendments
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland
Brings rail contracts into public ownership when they expire or if private operators fall short of their obligations. Effectively the first step towards re-nationalising the railways, but avoids ending existing contracts early which would mean paying compensation to operators.
Draft bill / Commons Library briefing

WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER

Terminal Illness (Relief of Pain) Bill
Aims to protect medical professionals who give pain relief to terminally ill patients by requiring the government to issue guidance on how criminal law is applied in this area. Ten minute rule motion presented by Edward Leigh.

Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Allows the UK to support Ukraine through the G7's Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans to Ukraine plan. Through the scheme, the UK will lend £2.26 billion to Ukraine, which will be repaid by the profits made on seized Russian assets.
Draft bill (PDF)

THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER

No votes scheduled

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Lords reform is the flavour of the week.

On Tuesday, MPs debate whether to remove the last remaining hereditary peers from the upper chamber. Then on Thursday they'll look at extending an existing initiative to prioritise women when appointing new bishops to the Lords.

Wednesday brings a raft of motions.

They're a faster way of making some laws. This week's include plans to ban single-use vapes, and expanding the types of ID that can be used to vote.

Meanwhile in the Lords, bank failure is on the agenda.

Peers will look at giving the Bank of England more flexibility to manage how small banks go bust, among other things.

MONDAY 11 NOVEMBER

No votes scheduled

TUESDAY 12 NOVEMBER

Powers of Attorney Bill
Reforms Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) arrangements, which allow people to manage finances and medical decisions on behalf of others. Aims to tackle abuse towards elderly or vulnerable people by introducing mandatory training for government staff who issue them, closing legal loopholes that could lead to exploitation, and preventing immediate access to finances without a medical assessment. Ten minute rule motion presented by Fabian Hamilton.

House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Removes the last remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords. Follows on from the House of Lords Act 1999, which capped the number of hereditary peers at 92.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

WEDNESDAY 13 NOVEMBER

Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill
Concerns debt owed by developing countries to private lenders. Ten minute rule motion presented by Bambos Charalambous. More information not yet available.

THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER

Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Extends the Lords Spiritual (Women) Act until 2030, which requires all new bishops in the House of Lords to be women if any are eligible. Started in the Lords.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER

No votes scheduled

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Budget debate dominates the agenda this week.

MPs will dig into the details of Rachel Reeves's spending plan every day from Monday to Wednesday. That means there's no time to debate any government bills.

Backbenchers have an opportunity to cut through.

Four MPs are bringing ten minute rule motions, a chance to present a bill to the House. If they're successful, their bill goes to second reading.

And the prime minister faces a new opponent at PMQs on Wednesday.

Fresh from being elected Tory leader on Saturday, Kemi Badenoch will be the one quizzing Keir Starmer. She's already been outspoken on Partygate, so it'll be interesting to see if she takes a similar approach at the dispatch box.

MONDAY 4 NOVEMBER

Roadworks (Regulation) Bill
Gives local highways authorities the power to turn down requests to dig up roads. Currently they can only refuse on safety grounds. Introduces stricter procedures to require highways authorities to prevent multiple sets of roadworks from taking place in the same area, to limit traffic disruption. Ten minute rule motion presented by Mark Francois. More information here.

Budget debate
Continuation of Budget debate.

TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER

Poly and Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (Guidance) Bill
Requires the Drinking Water Inspectorate (an independent body that scrutinises the water industry) to issue guidance to water companies on poly and perfluorinated alkyl substances in drinking water, chemicals that can contaminate water sources and potentially harm health. Ten minute rule motion presented by Munira Wilson.

Budget debate
Continuation of Budget debate.

WEDNESDAY 6 NOVEMBER

Child Criminal Exploitation (No. 2) Bill
Makes it an offence to attempt to recruit any under-18 into criminal activity, regardless of whether the child commits the crime. The aim is to stop children working in county lines drug dealing and carrying weapons for adults. Ten minute rule motion presented by Victoria Atkins. More information here.

Horticultural Peat (Prohibition of Sale) Bill
Bans the sale of horticultural peat by the end of 2025. Peatlands are the UK's biggest carbon store and play an important role in battling climate change. The retail sale of peat was banned in 2022. Ten minute rule motion presented by Sarah Dyke. More information here.

Budget debate
Conclusion of Budget debate.

THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER

No votes scheduled
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It's Budget week.

Rachel Reeves takes to the dispatch box on Wednesday for the new government's hotly awaited first fiscal event. Here's a list of what we might expect to hear from the chancellor.

Great British Energy takes another step towards becoming a reality on Tuesday.

MPs debate the bill at report stage and third reading. Lots of amendments have been tabled, including making it a priority to reduce energy bills by at least £300 and setting a goal of upholding human rights in energy supply chains. The speaker will decide which get debated.

And Tuesday also brings the first ten minute rule motion of this Parliament.

Alberto Costa will re-introduce a long-standing proposal on microplastics. He'll have ten minutes to present it, and if MPs don't vote it down the bill goes to second reading.

MONDAY 28 OCTOBER

No votes scheduled

TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER

Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill
Requires manufacturers to fit microplastic-catching filters to new domestic and commercial washing machines, among other things. Ten minute rule motion presented by Alberto Costa.

Great British Energy Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Establishes Great British Energy, a new, publicly-owned energy production company which will own, manage, and operate clean power projects. It will also help to get newer technologies such as carbon capture and hydrogen off the ground in order to make them commercially viable.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER

The Budget
The chancellor delivers her Budget, followed by debate.

THURSDAY 31 OCTOBER

Budget debate
Continued.

FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER

No votes scheduled

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Two more bills get their first debate this week.

On Monday MPs will discuss employment rights, and on Tuesday they cover plans to reclassify two organisations: the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

A couple of motions get moved on Wednesday.

One gives the Infected Blood Compensation Authority powers to pay compensation to people affected by the infected blood scandal. The other approves a new round of sanctions against senior Iranian military figures and organisations.

And Budget rumours continue to swirl.

This is the last week before Chancellor Rachel Reeves takes to the dispatch box to announce the government's spending plans.

MONDAY 21 OCTOBER

Employment Rights Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland (part), Northern Ireland (part)
The government's flagship workers’ rights bill. Makes workers eligible for sick pay from day one – currently they have to wait for three days. Bans zero hour contracts and ‘fire and rehire’, where workers are sacked and then re-employed on a worse contract. Protects workers from unfair dismissal from day one – currently this kicks in after two years. Requires employers to give a reason for refusing flexible working, among other things.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Changes the status of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross so the government can treat them like international bodies the UK is part of. This means the government can grant them certain privileges and immunities. Started in the Lords.
Draft bill / Commons Library briefing (PDF)

WEDNESDAY 23 OCTOBER

No votes scheduled

THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER

No votes scheduled
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MPs debate two new bills for the first time this week.

The first aims to improve the security of public events from the threat of terrorism, while the other finishes what Tony Blair started by removing the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords.

We should find out the private members' bills for this session on Wednesday.

Labour MPs won all of the slots in the ballot, and many among them were elected in July, so this should give us an idea of their policy priorities.

Wednesday is also an Opposition Day.

This time the Lib Dems have the chance to choose a topic for debate.

MONDAY 14 OCTOBER

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Requires venues where large groups gather to implement protective measures against terrorist attacks. The level of protection required depends on the size of the venue and nature of the event. Known as Martyn's law after Manchester Arena attack victim Martyn Hett, whose mother has campaigned for stronger security measures at venues.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

TUESDAY 15 OCTOBER

House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Removes the last remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords. Follows on from the House of Lords Act 1999, which capped the number of hereditary peers at 92.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER

No votes scheduled

THURSDAY 17 OCTOBER

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER

No votes scheduled

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Hello fellow UK Green Party members,

About 20 members from around the UK want to establish a Greens for a Republic group to rival the Labour for a Republic group.

We have written to the Green Party secretary about setting up this group and are waiting for a reply.

In the meantime, we have a WhatsApp group. Please message me if you are interested in joining.

While Republic UK is focused on protest, our focus would be on the political side including reform of our hereditary principles guidance.

In Solidarity, Danni

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Parliament is back.

Conference season is over and MPs are knuckling down from now until Christmas.

Renters' rights are on the agenda this week.

The government is building on the previous administration's Renters (Reform) Bill to introduce legislation that gives tenants much stronger powers.

And Tuesday is an Opposition Day.

The Tories will have a chance to set the agenda, though their motion hasn’t been announced yet. Politico reports Sunak won’t choose to talk about the Chagos Islands handover to avoid getting drawn into his party’s leadership contest, where it’s been a hot issue.

MONDAY 7 OCTOBER

No votes scheduled

TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER

No votes scheduled

WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER

Renters' Rights Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland (part)
Scraps 'no fault' evictions. Limits rent increases to no more than once per year and requires landlords to give two months' notice. Bans landlords from renting for more than the advertised asking price. Stops landlords from reasonably refusing tenants from having a pet. Makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants who receive benefits or are disabled, among other things. Builds on the Renters (Reform) Bill that was introduced by the last government but didn't make it through Parliament before the general election.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER

No votes scheduled

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It's a brief return to Parliament for MPs after summer recess.

But they'll only be back for two weeks before they break again for conference season.

Great British Energy is debated for the first time.

MPs will vote on the government's plan to create a public clean energy company, which has its second reading on Thursday.

And two other bills are fast-tracked through Parliament.

Plans to nationalise the railways and get more analysis of big spending decisions from the Office for Budget Responsibility are debated on Tuesday and Wednesday.

MONDAY 2 SEPTEMBER

No votes scheduled

TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER

Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill – committee of the whole House, report stage, 3rd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland
Brings rail contracts into public ownership when they expire or if private operators fall short of their obligations. Effectively the first step towards re-nationalising the railways, but avoids ending existing contracts early which would mean paying compensation to operators.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

WEDNESDAY 4 SEPTEMBER

Budget Responsibility Bill – committee of the whole House, report stage, 3rd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Requires the government to request a forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) before making major fiscal announcements, such as budgets and autumn statements. Seeks to avoid a situation like the 2022 'mini budget', where the then-chancellor didn't ask the OBR to scrutinise permanent tax changes that spooked financial markets.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER

Great British Energy Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Rstablishes Great British Energy, a new, publicly-owned energy production company which will own, manage, and operate clean power projects. It will also help to get newer technologies such as carbon capture and hydrogen off the ground in order to make them commercially viable.
Draft bill (PDF)

FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER

No votes scheduled

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