Rule of Law (Enforcement by Public Authorities) Bill | TrackPolitics

Rule of Law (Enforcement by Public Authorities) Bill

A Bill to require public authorities to exercise their statutory powers to investigate and take enforcement action for breaches of the law; to make provision for sanctions for failing to take such action; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sir Christopher ChopeConservative

Last Updated

4 May 2022

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Bill would require public authorities to actively use their legal powers to investigate breaches and take enforcement action when laws are broken. It would also create sanctions for authorities that fail to act, and include related provisions to support enforcing the rule of law.

Key Points

Public authorities would have a duty to investigate breaches of the law and to take enforcement action where appropriate.
Sanctions or penalties would be available for authorities that fail to act.
The measure applies across public bodies that enforce or regulate laws.
Provisions are intended to support connected purposes to strengthen enforcement of rules.
Introduced in the House of Commons as a Private Member’s Bill by Sir Christopher Chope and at the second reading stage.

Progress

The Bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons; if it progresses, it would move to committee stage for detailed scrutiny.

Who is affected?

Public authorities (including central and local government, regulators, police, and other public bodies)Organisations and individuals who breach laws and may be subject to enforcement actionsThe general public who rely on enforcement of laws for protection and rights

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Rule of Law (Enforcement by Public Authorities) Bill

24 Jun 2021

The 2021-2022 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.