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MPs head back to Parliament on Monday after Easter recess.

They'll debate the government's bill to create a smokefree generation and crack down on how vapes can be marketed and sold to children.

The controversial Rwanda bill is also set to pass this week.

The government hopes it'll allow the first flights to take off before the end of spring. But charities are planning to launch legal challenges to prevent deportations.

And Friday brings private members' bills.

We start with Anna Firth's bid to create new offences of dog abduction and cat abduction.

MONDAY 15 APRIL

Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill – consideration of Lords message
Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Declares that Rwanda is a safe country to send refugees to. Aims to get around the Supreme Court ruling that Rwanda is not safe for refugees because they might be sent away for persecution, which is grounding deportation flights.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

TUESDAY 16 APRIL

Horticultural Peat (Prohibition of Sale) Bill
Bans the sale of horticultural peat in England by the end of 2024. Ten minute rule motion presented by Theresa Villiers. This would follow through on a long-standing government commitment, because of the environmental impact of peat mining.

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 17 APRIL

Fireworks (Noise Limits) Bill
Sets maximum noise levels for fireworks sold to the public. Ten minute rule motion presented by Judith Cummins.

Finance (No. 2) Bill – 2nd reading
Implements the measures outlined in the Budget.

THURSDAY 18 APRIL

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 19 APRIL

Pet Abduction Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Northern Ireland
Creates new offences of dog abduction and cat abduction. Gives the government the power to create similar offences for other animals commonly kept as pets. Private members' bill presented by Anna Firth.
Draft bill (PDF)

Building Societies Act 1986 (Amendment) Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Removes certain types of wholesale funding from counting against the funding limits of building societies. At least half of funding building societies provide must come from savings deposits made by individuals and businesses. This bill tweaks that, making building societies more competitive. Private members' bill presented by Julie Elliott.

Zoological Society of London (Leases) Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
increases the maximum term of the lease that may be granted to the Zoological Society of London (which runs London Zoo) in respect of land in Regent’s Park. Private members' bill presented by Bob Blackman. More information here.
Bill not yet published

Off-Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires off-road vehicles like quadbikes to be registered and have a registration plate. Private members' bill presented by Anne McLaughlin.
Bill not yet published

Online Services (Cancellation) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires services that can be subscribed to online also to be cancellable online. Private members' bill presented by Natalie Elphicke.
Bill not yet published

Health and Safety at Work Bill – 2nd reading
Amend the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 to make provision about civil liability for breaches of health and safety duties. More information not yet available. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Public Sector Exit Payments (Limitation) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Caps exit payments made to outgoing employees of public sector organisations. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Draft bill

Green Belt (Protection) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England and Wales
Establishes a national register of green belt land in England. Restricts the ability of local authorities to de-designate green belt land. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Draft bill

Autism (Early Identification) Bill – 2nd reading
Makee autism modules a mandatory part of teacher training, with the aim of helping to identify signs of autism in children earlier. Private members' bill presented by Duncan Baker.
Bill not yet published

State Pension Age (Compensation) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish proposals for a compensation scheme for 'WASPI women' – those born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960 who have been affected by increases in the state pension age. Private members' bill presented by Alan Brown.
Bill not yet published

Affordable Housing (Conversion of Commercial Property) Bill – 2nd reading
Allows councils to require a certain number of homes be affordable when commercial property is converted into residential use. Private members' bill presented by Vicky Ford.
Bill not yet published

Higher Education (Student Finance and Skills Shortages) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish proposals for a scheme where graduates in certain subjects don’t have to pay back their student loan, in part or in full, if they’re employed in the UK in a relevant sector for a certain amount of time. Private members' bill presented by Lia Nici.
Bill not yet published

Brain Tumours Bill – 2nd reading
Sets a target for the number of glioblastoma patients who take part in clinical trials each year. Requires training for oncologists to cover brain cancers. Requires any drug licensed for use on tumours to be trialled on people with brain tumours, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Siobhain McDonagh.

Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill – 2nd reading
Starts an inquiry into how arms sold to foreign states are used, to determine whether they have been used to break international law. Suspends the sale of arms to foreign states where it can't be shown that those arms won't be used to break international law. Private members' bill presented by Zarah Sultana.
Draft bill not yet published

Nuclear Veterans (Compensation) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish proposals for a compensation scheme for veterans who have become ill from radiation exposure while on active service. Private members' bill presented by Owen Thompson.
Bill not yet published

Miners' Strike (Pardons) Bill – 2nd reading
Pardons miners convicted of certain offences committed during the 1984-85 miners' strike. Private members' bill presented by Owen Thompson.
Bill not yet published

Asylum Seekers (Accommodation Eviction Procedures) Bill – 2nd reading
Allows asylum seekers to challenge a proposed eviction in an independent court or tribunal. Establishes asylum seeker accommodation eviction procedures for public authorities. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (Powers) Bill – 2nd reading
Allows the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to identify and investigate systemic problems in the benefits system and make relevant recommendations to the  government. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Asylum Seekers (Permission to Work) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Grants asylum seekers permission to work if they have waited six months for a decision on their asylum application. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill (PDF)

Corporate Homicide Bill – 2nd reading
Makes changes to the criminal offence of corporate homicide. More information not yet published. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Deductions from Universal Credit (Report) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to report to Parliament on the impact of deductions from Universal Credit on the levels of destitution among claimants. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Evictions (Universal Credit) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to prevent the evictions of Universal Credit claimants who are behind on rent. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Food Poverty Strategy Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish a strategy for ending the need for food banks by 2030. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Under-Occupancy Penalty (Report) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to report on the merits of repealing the so-called "bedroom tax" (a cut in benefits for those living in a council or housing association property deemed to have one or more spare bedrooms). Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Devolution (Employment) (Scotland) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: Scotland
Devolves employment matters in Scotland. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill (PDF)

Social Security Benefits (Healthy Eating) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish annual calculations of the benefit and tax credit rates needed for a representative household to afford to buy meals in accordance with the Eatwell Guide to eating healthily. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland
Prevents a Universal Credit claimant from being sanctioned for refusing work on a zero-hours contract. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill

Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity (Ratification of Treaty) Bill – 2nd reading
Concerns the UK’s ratification of the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Private members’ bill presented by Kevin Foster. More information not currently available.
Bill not yet published

Health and Social Care (Recruitment and Retention of Staff in Rural Areas) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish a strategy for the recruitment and retention of health and social care staff in rural areas. Private members' bill presented by Jamie Stone.
Bill not yet published

Health and Equality Acts (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Bans biological males from entering female-only spaces or competing in women’s sport, and prevents children from attempting to change their gender, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Liz Truss.
Bill not yet published

Greater London Low Emission Zone Charging (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Reverses the expansion of London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez), the tax on driving more polluting vehicles that was expanded to all London boroughs in August 2023. Private members' bill presented by Gareth Johnson.
Bill not yet published

Whistleblowing Bill – 2nd reading
Establishes an independent Office of the Whistleblower to protect whistleblowers and whistleblowing in accordance with the public interest. Private members’ bill presented by Mary Robinson.
Bill not yet published

Highways Act 1980 (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Limits the legal defences available to highway authorities when they're sued for non-repair of a highway. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Covid-19 Vaccine Damage Payments Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Requires the government to improve the diagnosis and treatment of people who have suffered ill effects from Covid-19 vaccines. Provides for financial assistance to people who have become disabled after receiving a Covid-19 vaccine, and to the next of kin of people who have died shortly after, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Draft bill (PDF)

Statutory Instruments Act 1946 (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Allows MPs or Lords to amend most statutory instruments – secondary legislation that is used to make changes to existing laws – before they are approved. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Extends the offence of having a dog dangerously out of control to cover private property as well as public places. Private members' bill presented by Angela Smith.
Draft bill

Exemption from Value Added Tax (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill – 2nd reading
Exempts goods or services from VAT if they are beneficial to the environment, health and safety, education, or for charitable purposes. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Covid-19 Vaccine Diagnosis and Treatment Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to improve the diagnosis and treatment of people who have suffered ill effects from Covid-19 vaccines. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Domestic Energy (Value Added Tax) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Removes VAT on domestic electricity and oil and gas. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Draft bill (PDF)

Caravan Site Licensing (Exemption of Motor Homes) Bill – 2nd reading
Exempts motor homes from caravan site licensing requirements. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

NHS England (Alternative Treatment) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales
Gives patients access to alternative non-NHS England treatment if they've waited for more than one year for hospital treatment. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill (PDF)

British Broadcasting Corporation (Privatisation) Bill – 2nd reading
Privatises the BBC and distributes shares in the corporation to all licence fee payers. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Children’s Clothing (Value Added Tax) Bill – 2nd reading
Expands the definition of children's clothing, including school uniforms, so more of it is VAT exempt. Currently clothes and shoes for "young children" are VAT exempt, but there is no legal definition of that term. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Regulatory Impact Assessments Bill – 2nd reading
Requires a Regulatory Impact Assessment (a specific method for analysing policy) to be published for all primary and secondary legislation introduced by the government. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Barnett Formula (Replacement) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to report on proposals to replace the Barnett Formula (the formula used to decide how much public money is given to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) with a scheme based on an assessment of relative needs. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Rule of Law (Enforcement by Public Authorities) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires public authorities to investigate breaches of the law, and take enforcement action. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Illegal Immigration (Offences) Bill – 2nd reading
Creates new offences for people who have entered the UK illegally, or have overstayed their visas. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

National Health Service Co-Funding and Co-Payment Bill – 2nd reading
Extends co-payment (paying for treatment at the point of service like going to the dentist) to more NHS services in England. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Caravan Sites Bill – 2nd reading
Removes the requirement for planning permission when applying for a caravan site licence. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Domestic Energy (Value Added Tax) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Removes VAT on domestic electricity and oil and gas. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Draft bill (PDF)

Child Criminal Exploitation Bill – 2nd reading
Makes involvement in child criminal exploitation an aggravating factor in sentencing for some drugs money launding offences, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Paul Beresford.
Bill not yet published

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It's a short parliamentary week before Easter recess.

MPs head back to their constituencies after Tuesday's session. In an attempt to pacify backbenchers, the Tories have reportedly been given a one-line whip, allowing them to skip next week entirely.

The Rwanda Bill is on hold after a savaging in the Lords.

The bill saw seven defeats in the upper house last Wednesday. It won't come back until at least next month, which will make it difficult for the prime minister to meet his plan of seeing the first flights take off by the spring.

But Rishi Sunak has bigger issues to worry about.

Former chief secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke told The Mail on Sunday only two more letters of no confidence need to be submitted by Tory MPs for Rishi Sunak to be ousted as prime minister.

MONDAY 25 MARCH

Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Introduce a lighter-touch regime for retaining and examining bulk personal datasets where there is a low or no expectation of privacy in the data. Allows authorities to access internet connection records to identify people visiting certain websites in order to address serious crime or protect national security. Requires telecoms operators to tell the government about proposed changes to products or services which could prevent intelligence services from accessing data.
Draft bill / Commons Library briefing

TUESDAY 26 MARCH

Disposal of Waste (Advertising and Penalty Provision) Bill
Requires social media and other advertising platforms to ensure waste collection companies posting adverts are registered with the Environment Agency. Requires councils to fine or prosecute anyone who fly tips or uses a rogue trader who fly tips. Ten minute rule motion presented by Paul Bristow.

Pedicabs (London) Bill – committee stage, report stage, 3rd reading
Applies to: England, Wales
Regulates pedicabs in public places in Greater London. There’s currently no requirement for drivers to undergo criminal record or right to work checks, and there’s no fare control which allows drivers to rip off tourists. Started in the Lords.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons briefing paper

WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH

No votes scheduled

THURSDAY 28 MARCH

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 29 MARCH

No votes scheduled

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Despite all the speculation around the election date, there's still legislating to do.

Some important laws on the agenda this week. MPs will debate the Rwanda Bill, a big one for the government, and a law to remedy the Post Office Horizon scandal.

Some elections are just round the corner, though.

Short campaigns will soon begin for local elections in many parts of the country, including in London where Sadiq Khan is seeking a third term as mayor. The outcomes of those will no doubt shape the narrative around prospects in the general election.

Back in Parliament, Friday brings private members' bills.

We start with John Spellar's bid to ban the import of wild animals killed through trophy hunting. And if you haven't seen how last week's session played out, here's how MPs stopped Liz Truss's bill to ban trans women from female-only spaces from being debated.

MONDAY 18 MARCH

Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation And Adjustments) Bill - all stages
Wraps up last week's Estimates Day debates.

Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill – consideration of Lords amendments
Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Declares that Rwanda is a safe country to send refugees to. Aims to get around the Supreme Court ruling that Rwanda is not safe for refugees because they might be sent away for persecution, which is grounding deportation flights.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

TUESDAY 19 MARCH

Illegal And Unsustainable Fishing (Due Diligence) Bill
Requires fish sellers to put checks in place to make sure their goods haven't been caught illegally or unsustainably. Ten minute rule motion presented by Chris Grayling.

Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Changes the law around technical barriers to trade, government procurement, and intellectual property to make the UK compliant with its international obligations under CPTPP, a trade agreement the government signed up to in July 2023.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH

Standards in Public Life (Code of Conduct) Bill
Writes the code of conduct for ministers, MPs, and peers into law, and creates one for councillors in England. Ten minute rule motion presented by Debbie Abrahams. Currently none exist. Ten minute rule motion presented by Debbie Abrahams. More information here.

Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales
Overturns convictions related to the Horizon scandal, including offences such as theft, fraud, and false accounting allegedly committed between 1996 and 2018 by people working in post offices in England and Wales. More information here.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

THURSDAY 21 MARCH

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 22 MARCH

Hunting Trophies Import (Prohibition) (No 2) Bill - 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Bans the import of wild animals killed through trophy hunting. Private members' bill presented by John Spellar.
Draft bill (PDF)

Greater London Low Emission Zone Charging (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Reverses the expansion of London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez), the tax on driving more polluting vehicles that was expanded to all London boroughs in August 2023. Private members' bill presented by Gareth Johnson.
Bill not yet published

Puppy Import (Prohibition) Bill - 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland
Bans the import of young puppies. Private members' bill presented by John Spellar.
Draft bill (PDF)

Chalk Streams (Protection) Bill - 2nd reading
Gives chalk streams an enhanced status to protect them from pollution and environmental damage. Private members' bill presented by Sarah Green.

British Goods (Public Sector Purchasing Duty) Bill - 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Requires public bodies to have a presumption in favour of buying British goods. Private members' bill presented by John Spellar.
Draft bill (PDF)

Consumer Pricing Bill - 2nd reading
Bans companies from offering better prices to new customers compared to existing customers. Private members' bill presented by John Spellar.

Broadcasting (Listed Sporting Events) Bill - 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Expands the list of sporting events that must be made available for broadcast by free-to-air television channels. Private members' bill presented by John Spellar.
Draft bill (PDF)

Employment (Application Requirements) Bill - 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Regulates the use of minimum qualification or experience requirements in job applications. Private members' bill presented by John Spellar.
Draft bill (PDF)

Public Sector Website Impersonation Bill - 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Makes it an offence to impersonate a public-sector website for the purpose of collecting payment or personal data. Private members' bill presented by John Spellar.
Draft bill (PDF)

Armenian Genocide (Recognition) Bill - 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Requires the government to recognise formally the Armenian genocide of 1915-16. Private members' bill presented by John Spellar.
Draft bill (PDF)

House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) (Abolition of By-Elections) Bill - 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Abolishes the system of by-elections for hereditary peers. There can currently be 90 hereditary peers in the Lords at a time. This bill would gradually reduce that amount by not electing replacements. Private members' bill presented by John Spellar.
Draft bill (PDF)

Asylum Seekers (Accommodation Eviction Procedures) Bill - 2nd reading
Allows asylum seekers to challenge a proposed eviction in an independent court or tribunal. Establishes asylum seeker accommodation eviction procedures for public authorities. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (Powers) Bill - 2nd reading
Allows the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to identify and investigate systemic problems in the benefits system and make relevant recommendations to the  government. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Scottish Law Officers (Devolution) Bill
Devolves the power to amend the role of Scottish law officers to the Scottish Parliament. Ten minute rule motion presented by Joanna Cherry. The Scottish government is currently considering whether to separate the lord advocate’s roles as head of the independent prosecutions service and principal legal adviser to the government, but doesn't have the power to do so. Private members' bill presented by Joanna Cherry.
Bill not yet published

Health and Social Care (Recruitment and Retention of Staff in Rural Areas) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish a strategy for the recruitment and retention of health and social care staff in rural areas. Private members' bill presented by Jamie Stone.
Bill not yet published

Offences Against the Person Act 1861 (Sentencing Guidelines) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the Sentencing Council to issue sentencing guidelines on using or procuring drugs to cause an abortion. Private members' bill presented by Maria Miller.
Bill not yet published

Offensive Weapons Bill – 2nd reading
Bans machetes and zombie knives. Private members' bill presented by Helen Hayes.
Bill not yet published

Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity (Ratification of Treaty) Bill – 2nd reading
Concerns the UK’s ratification of the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Private members’ bill presented by Kevin Foster. More information not currently available.
Bill not yet published

Whistleblowing Bill – 2nd reading
Establishes an independent Office of the Whistleblower to protect whistleblowers and whistleblowing in accordance with the public interest. Private members’ bill presented by Mary Robinson.
Bill not yet published

Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires landlords to remedy hazards in privately rented properties. Private members' bill presented by Fleur Anderson.
Draft bill not yet published

Asylum Seekers (Permission to Work) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Grants asylum seekers permission to work if they have waited six months for a decision on their asylum application. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill (PDF)

Corporate Homicide Bill - 2nd reading
Makes changes to the criminal offence of corporate homicide. More information not yet published. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Deductions from Universal Credit (Report) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to report to Parliament on the impact of deductions from Universal Credit on the levels of destitution among claimants. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Evictions (Universal Credit) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to prevent the evictions of Universal Credit claimants who are behind on rent. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Food Poverty Strategy Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish a strategy for ending the need for food banks by 2030. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Under-Occupancy Penalty (Report) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to report on the merits of repealing the so-called "bedroom tax" (a cut in benefits for those living in a council or housing association property deemed to have one or more spare bedrooms). Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Devolution (Employment) (Scotland) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: Scotland
Devolves employment matters in Scotland. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill (PDF)

Social Security Benefits (Healthy Eating) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish annual calculations of the benefit and tax credit rates needed for a representative household to afford to buy meals in accordance with the Eatwell Guide to eating healthily. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland
Prevents a Universal Credit claimant from being sanctioned for refusing work on a zero-hours contract. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill

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Debate on the Budget wraps up this week.

We also see the first bill introduced that implements measures announced by the chancellor at last week's set-piece event: the reduction of NI contributions.

Thursday is an Estimates Day.

This is where the Commons scrutinises spending by government departments. The Department for Education and Home Office are under the microscope this time.

And Friday brings private members' bills.

We start with Selaine Saxby's bid to regulate the import of dogs, cats, and ferrets.

MONDAY 11 MARCH

Mortgages (Switching) Bill
Allows 'mortgage prisoners' to switch to a new rate. These are people who had mortgages with lenders such as Northern Rock that collapsed during the 2008 financial crisis and have been unable to switch off high rates because of toughened borrowing criteria. Ten minute rule motion presented by Martin Docherty-Hughes.

Budget Debate
Continued.

TUESDAY 12 MARCH

Public Sector Websites (Data Charges) Bill
Requires providers of electronic communications networks to allow customers to access certain public sector websites for free. Ten minute rule motion presented by Simon Lightwood.

Budget Debate
Continued.

WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (Designation) Bill
Transfers the power to designate Sites of Special Scientific Interest from Natural England to the government. Ten minute rule motion presented by Derek Thomas.

National Insurance Contributions (Reduction in Rates) (No. 2) Bill – 2nd reading
Implements two changes to National Insurance contributions announced by the chancellor in last week's Spring Budget: cuts the main rate of NICs paid by employees from 10% to 8%, and cuts the main rate of NICs paid by the self-employed from 8% to 6%.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

THURSDAY 14 MARCH

Estimates Day
Department for Education and Home Office.

FRIDAY 15 MARCH

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 Selaine Saxby.
Bill not yet published

Public Procurement (British Goods and Services) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires public sector organisations to prioritise British goods and services in their procurement. Private members' bill presented by Sarah Champion.
Bill not yet published

Health and Equality Acts (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Bans biological males from entering female-only spaces or competing in women’s sport, and prevents children from attempting to change their gender, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Liz Truss.
Bill not yet published

Children Not in School (Register, Support and Orders) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires local councils to maintain a register of children who are not in school, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Flick Drummond.

Members of Parliament (Oil and Gas Companies) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the Leader of the House of Commons to move a motion banning MPs from receiving any financial or other benefit from oil and gas companies. Also requires them to publish proposals for divesting of the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund from oil and gas companies. Private members' bill presented by Richard Burgon.
Draft bill (PDF)

Telecommunications Infrastructure (Consultation) Bill – 2nd reading
Introduces mandatory local consultation when installing telecoms infrastructure in residential areas. Private members' bill presented by Diana Johnson.
Bill not yet published

Public Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires companies and certain people to have public liability insurance. Private members' bill presented by Natalie Elphicke.
Bill not yet published

Corporate Homicide Bill – 2nd reading
Makes changes to the criminal offence of corporate homicide. More information not yet published. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Asylum Seekers (Permission to Work) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Grants asylum seekers permission to work if they have waited six months for a decision on their asylum application. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill (PDF)

Unpaid Trial Work Periods (Prohibition) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Bans unpaid trial work periods. Private members' bill presented by Stewart McDonald.
Bill not yet published

Pets (Microchips) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England and Wales
Requires local authorities to scan a deceased cat's microchip and try to return it to its owner before disposing of it. Requires vets to confirm the person presenting a healthy animal to be euthanised is its registered owner. They must also check the microchip for details of previous owners and offer the animal to them before proceeding. Also known as Gizmo's Law and Tuk's Law. Private members' bill presented by James Daly.
Draft bill (PDF)

Employment Equality (Insurance etc) Bill – 2nd reading
Stops employers from taking away vital workplace benefits such as healthcare insurance and death in service benefits from workers who carry on working past retirement age. Private members' bill presented by Natalie Elphicke. More information here.
Bill not yet published

Support for Infants and Parents etc (Information) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales
Requires the Government to publish an annual report on the support available for infants and the impact that support has had on outcomes for infants and children. Private members' bill presented by Sally-Ann Hart.
Draft bill (PDF)

Veterans (Non-Custodial Sentences) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish annual data on veterans who are given non-custodial sentences. Private members' bill presented by Owen Thompson.
Bill not yet published

Nuclear Veterans (Compensation) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish proposals for a compensation scheme for veterans who have become ill from radiation exposure while on active service. Private members' bill presented by Owen Thompson.
Bill not yet published

Miners' Strike (Pardons) Bill – 2nd reading
Pardons miners convicted of certain offences committed during the 1984-85 miners' strike. Private members' bill presented by Owen Thompson.
Bill not yet published

Licensing Hours Extensions Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England and Wales
Makes it easier for pubs and bars to extend their opening hours during national events like the World Cup by allowing the government to grant a temporary easing of restrictions. Usually this would be done by Parliament but can't happen if Parliament is in recess. Private members' bill presented by Emma Lewell-Buck.
Draft bill (PDF)

Highways Act 1980 (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Limits the legal defences available to highway authorities when they're sued for non-repair of a highway. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Covid-19 Vaccine Damage Payments Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Requires the government to improve the diagnosis and treatment of people who have suffered ill effects from Covid-19 vaccines. Provides for financial assistance to people who have become disabled after receiving a Covid-19 vaccine, and to the next of kin of people who have died shortly after, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Draft bill (PDF)

Statutory Instruments Act 1946 (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Allows MPs or Lords to amend most statutory instruments – secondary legislation that is used to make changes to existing laws – before they are approved. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Extends the offence of having a dog dangerously out of control to cover private property as well as public places. Private members' bill presented by Angela Smith.
Draft bill

Exemption from Value Added Tax (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill – 2nd reading
Exempts goods or services from VAT if they are beneficial to the environment, health and safety, education, or for charitable purposes. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Covid-19 Vaccine Diagnosis and Treatment Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to improve the diagnosis and treatment of people who have suffered ill effects from Covid-19 vaccines. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Caravan Site Licensing (Exemption of Motor Homes) Bill – 2nd reading
Exempts motor homes from caravan site licensing requirements. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

NHS England (Alternative Treatment) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales
Gives patients access to alternative non-NHS England treatment if they've waited for more than one year for hospital treatment. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill (PDF)

British Broadcasting Corporation (Privatisation) Bill – 2nd reading
Privatises the BBC and distributes shares in the corporation to all licence fee payers. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Children’s Clothing (Value Added Tax) Bill – 2nd reading
Expands the definition of children's clothing, including school uniforms, so more of it is VAT exempt. Currently clothes and shoes for "young children" are VAT exempt, but there is no legal definition of that term. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Regulatory Impact Assessments Bill – 2nd reading
Requires a Regulatory Impact Assessment (a specific method for analysing policy) to be published for all primary and secondary legislation introduced by the government. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Barnett Formula (Replacement) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to report on proposals to replace the Barnett Formula (the formula used to decide how much public money is given to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) with a scheme based on an assessment of relative needs. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Rule of Law (Enforcement by Public Authorities) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires public authorities to investigate breaches of the law, and take enforcement action. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Illegal Immigration (Offences) Bill – 2nd reading
Creates new offences for people who have entered the UK illegally, or have overstayed their visas. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

National Health Service Co-Funding and Co-Payment Bill – 2nd reading
Extends co-payment (paying for treatment at the point of service like going to the dentist) to more NHS services in England. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Caravan Sites Bill – 2nd reading
Removes the requirement for planning permission when applying for a caravan site licence. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Bill not yet published

Multi-Storey Carparks (Safety) Bill – 2nd reading
Increases the minimum required height of guarding in multi-storey car parks. Requires existing guarding to meet minimum height requirements. Requires 24 hour staffing of multi-storey car parks. Private members' bill presented by Maria Eagle.
Bill not yet published

Deductions from Universal Credit (Report) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to report to Parliament on the impact of deductions from Universal Credit on the levels of destitution among claimants. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Evictions (Universal Credit) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to prevent the evictions of Universal Credit claimants who are behind on rent. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Food Poverty Strategy Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish a strategy for ending the need for food banks by 2030. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Under-Occupancy Penalty (Report) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to report on the merits of repealing the so-called "bedroom tax" (a cut in benefits for those living in a council or housing association property deemed to have one or more spare bedrooms). Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Devolution (Employment) (Scotland) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: Scotland
Devolves employment matters in Scotland. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill (PDF)

Social Security Benefits (Healthy Eating) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish annual calculations of the benefit and tax credit rates needed for a representative household to afford to buy meals in accordance with the Eatwell Guide to eating healthily. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland
Prevents a Universal Credit claimant from being sanctioned for refusing work on a zero-hours contract. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill

Domestic Energy (Value Added Tax) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Removes VAT on domestic electricity and oil and gas. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope.
Draft bill (PDF)

Conversion Practices (Prohibition) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Bans conversion therapy, both practices to change someone’s sexual orientation or to change someone to or from being transgender. Private members’ bill presented by Lloyd Russell-Moyle.
Draft bill (PDF)

Child Criminal Exploitation Bill – 2nd reading
Makes involvement in child criminal exploitation an aggravating factor in sentencing for some drugs money launding offences, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Paul Beresford.
Bill not yet published

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It's Budget week.

On Wednesday, the chancellor will deliver what's likely his last major fiscal event before the election. The action kicks off straight after PMQs.

In theory, it's a chance to announce tax cuts before we go to the polls.

Many backbench Tory MPs would certainly love that. But Jeremy Hunt has been playing down the chances of anything major, saying the economic outlook has worsened. He's not wrong: between now and the Autumn Statement, the UK entered recession.

There are plenty of options if the chancellor does want to announce sweeteners.

From income tax and national insurance cuts, to abolishing inheritance tax and lowering fuel duty, there's a lot on the table. Sky News has a good roundup.

MONDAY 4 MARCH

No votes scheduled

TUESDAY 5 MARCH

Senior Civil Service (Accountability and Appointment) Bill
Concerns the way Parliament scrutinises and approves senior civil service appointments. Ten minute rule motion presented by Giles Watling. More information not yet available.

Automated Vehicles Bill
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland
Sets out the legal framework for using automated vehicles on roads and other public places. Started in the Lords.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH

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

THURSDAY 7 MARCH

Budget debate
Continued from Wednesday.

FRIDAY 8 MARCH

No votes scheduled

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Since the Commons seat of Rochdale was vacated following the unfortunate death of Sir Tony Lloyd, the by-election campaign there would turn out to be one of the most chaotic political events of the year in Britain, tragically resulting in the return to Parliament of the grifter, transphobe, Hezbollah-supporter, antisemite, and overall vile human being, George Galloway.

Rochdale has a Muslim population of around 30%, so it was inevitable that Gaza would be a major contention of this campaign, and that a candidate who is vocal in stopping the plight of Palestinians would have a good chance of taking the seat.

George Galloway's posturing as an anti-war candidates hides the fact of his climate change denial, his transphobia, his previous endorsement of Tories, and the fact that he was endorsed by Nick Griffin, the neofascist BNP leader. His campaign has even been accused of send two completely different messages to Muslims and non-Muslims, with two separate campaign letters sent to voters containing completely contradictory messaging, one of them echoing Trump-style rhetoric. This by-election should not be celebrated by any true progressive.

Which is why I find it tragic that the local Greens there have failed to capitalize on the fact that the Labour candidate was suspended for their comments on Israel. The Greens could have put out a candidate who would be a true progressive voice against the far-right Israeli government and be a representative of Rochdale's Muslim community, and expose the toxicity of Galloway's politics, while at the same time, represent non-Muslims by catering to local kitchen table issues, much like the independent candidate David Tully who came second.

Instead, the candidate they put out has only alienated the Muslim community. Even if such comments they made were in the past, it was only right these comments has surfaced, as one cannot be too wary of the character of any individual trying to represent constituents.

This lost was also a HUGE miss. If only the Greens had won this by-election, imagine the massive PR win of the Greens defeating Galloway. Progressives would've flock to the party, a massive flow of donations would've come their way, be a more serious threat to Starmer, and it may not have been very hard to hold on to that seat in the next GE.

This by-election stall and MUST serve an incredibly important lesson for the Green Party of England and Wales, if we were to try to get more MPs to counter the increasingly blurred two-party system, of Sunak's disastrous Tory government, and Starmer's Tory Lite Labour. Greens must being in Green values and adapt them to fit the needs of people where they run. Improved vetting of candidates must also be done, and that we shall campaign harder and harder, TOGETHER with other like-minded progressives, to stop this stagnant two-party system, get Britain back, and stop its support of the far-right Israeli state, and champion a free Palestine.

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Well that was a dramatic week in Parliament.

Not since the Brexit days have parliamentary procedures come under so much scrutiny. Speaker Lindsay Hoyle looks safe in his position for now, but that could change if dissatisfaction spreads among Tory backbenchers.

This week sees the return of leasehold reform efforts.

It's a long time coming, and would go some way towards fixing England's unique leasehold system. Housing campaigners have been more critical, calling it "insultingly modest."

And Friday brings private members' bills.

We start with Lloyd Russell-Moyle's bid to ban conversion therapy.

MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY

No votes scheduled

TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY

Higher Education (Student Finance and Skills Shortages) Bill
Requires the government to publish proposals for a scheme where graduates in certain subjects don’t have to pay back their student loan, in part or in full, if they’re employed in the UK in a relevant sector for a certain amount of time. Ten minute rule motion presented by Lia Nici.

Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Applies to: England, Wales
Aims to make it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to extend their lease or buy the freehold. Among other things, increases the standard lease extension term to 990 years with nominal rent. Gives leaseholders the right to request information about service charges and challenge the reasonableness of charges for maintaining communal areas.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY

Brain Tumours Bill
Sets a target for the number of glioblastoma patients who take part in clinical trials each year. Requires training for oncologists to cover brain cancers. Requires any drug licensed for use on tumours to be trialled on people with brain tumours, among other things. Ten minute rule motion presented by Siobhain McDonagh.

Pedicabs (London) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales
Regulates pedicabs in public places in Greater London. There’s currently no requirement for drivers to undergo criminal record or right to work checks, and there’s no fare control which allows drivers to rip off tourists. Started in the Lords.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons briefing paper

THURSDAY 29 FEBRUARY

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 1 MARCH

Conversion Practices (Prohibition) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Bans conversion therapy, both practices to change someone’s sexual orientation or to change someone to or from being transgender. Private members’ bill presented by Lloyd Russell-Moyle.
Draft bill (PDF)

Consular Assistance Bill – 2nd reading
Gives British citizens abroad a right to consular assistance when their human rights are under threat. Private members’ bill presented by Christine Jardine.
Bill not yet published

Courts (Remote Hearings) Bill – 2nd reading
Allows certain civil and family court hearings to be conducted remotely. Private members’ bill presented by Andy Carter.
Bill not yet published

Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity (Ratification of Treaty) Bill – 2nd reading
Concerns the UK’s ratification of the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Private members’ bill presented by Kevin Foster. More information not currently available.
Bill not yet published

Fertility Treatment (Employment Rights) Bill – 2nd reading
Requirs employers to give employees time off for fertility treatment appointments. Private members' bill presented by Nickie Aiken.

Deductions from Universal Credit (Report) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to report to Parliament on the impact of deductions from Universal Credit on the levels of destitution among claimants. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Evictions (Universal Credit) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to prevent the evictions of Universal Credit claimants who are behind on rent. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill – 2nd reading
Starts an inquiry into how arms sold to foreign states are used, to determine whether they have been used to break international law. Suspends the sale of arms to foreign states where it can't be shown that those arms won't be used to break international law. Private members' bill presented by Zarah Sultana.
Draft bill not yet published

Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales
Requires private landlords to fix hazards in leased properties. Private members’ bill presented by Fleur Anderson.
Draft bill (PDF)

Welfare Benefits (Adequacy, Debt and Deductions) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to report to Parliament on the potential benefits of banning deductions on certain benefits in the first six months, restricting deductions where a claimant is at risk of hardship, reducing the maximum amount of a claim that can be deducted, and changing the priority order in which debt repayments are recovered by deductions. Private members’ bill presented by David Linden.
Bill not yet published

Police (Declaration) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires police officers and certain other police employees to declare memberships of certain societies and organisations. Private members’ bill presented by Tonia Antoniazzi.
Bill not yet published

Whistleblowing Bill – 2nd reading
Establishes an independent Office of the Whistleblower to protect whistleblowers and whistleblowing in accordance with the public interest. Private members’ bill presented by Mary Robinson.
Bill not yet published

Food Poverty Strategy Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish a strategy for ending the need for food banks by 2030. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Bill not yet published

Under-Occupancy Penalty (Report) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to report on the merits of repealing the so-called "bedroom tax" (a cut in benefits for those living in a council or housing association property deemed to have one or more spare bedrooms). Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Devolution (Employment) (Scotland) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: Scotland
Devolves employment matters in Scotland. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill (PDF)

Social Security Benefits (Healthy Eating) Bill – 2nd reading
Requires the government to publish annual calculations of the benefit and tax credit rates needed for a representative household to afford to buy meals in accordance with the Eatwell Guide to eating healthily. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.

Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland
Prevents a Universal Credit claimant from being sanctioned for refusing work on a zero-hours contract. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Draft bill

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