What is a white paper?

A white paper is a government document that sets out firm plans for new policy or laws. It usually comes before a bill is introduced to Parliament. White papers explain what the government intends to do and why, and may invite comments on the detail before the law is drafted.

White papers are published by government departments and laid before Parliament. They are more settled than green papers, which ask open questions. A white paper often follows a consultation and shows the choices the government has made. It may include a draft bill or outline the main parts of a future one. A 1944 white paper committed governments to aim for high employment. Others have shaped schools, the NHS and energy policy. A white paper is not law. Its proposals still need to pass through Parliament, where they may be changed or dropped. Departments often publish a white paper alongside a statement in the Commons. MPs can then question the minister on the plans. Some white papers change a lot before a bill appears. Others are dropped when priorities or ministers change.