What is a private members bill?

A private member's bill is a proposed law introduced by an MP or peer who is not a government minister. Each session, 20 MPs are picked in a ballot to get priority time on certain Fridays. Most private members' bills do not become law, but some have led to major changes.

There are three main routes for MPs. The ballot gives 20 backbenchers priority on 13 sitting Fridays a session. The Ten Minute Rule lets an MP make a short speech for a bill. Presentation bills can be introduced with no debate. Because time is short, a bill without government support usually runs out of time or is 'talked out'. Some still succeed. Private members' bills ended the death penalty for murder in 1965. Another made abortion legal in Great Britain in 1967. More recent examples include changes to organ donation consent. Members of the House of Lords can also introduce their own bills. Some succeed because the government quietly backs them and helps find time. Even failed bills can raise an issue and push ministers to act later.