Private Members’ Bill – example

In 2018, Angus MacNeil MP (SNP) introduced a (ballot) Private Members’ Bill to enable more families separated by war and persecution to reunite in safety in the UK. It was an issue which he felt needed to be addressed – also, many of his constituents got in touch with him about it.

The Refugee Family Reunion Bill (as it was called) received support from all political parties. It even saw 131 MPs turn up to Parliament on a Friday (a day MPs usually spend in their constituencies) to help the bill pass a key stage in the legislative process. Unfortunately, it did not become law but it visibly demonstrated to the government that there was cross-party support for a human rights issue not previously well-known.

Watch Angus MacNeil opening the Second Reading debate above.

Angus MacNeil began his speech by sharing the story of a refugee living in Kent – real life examples powerfully speak for themselves and, in a debate, bring to life the real impact certain policy decisions and legislation can have.