Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill

A Bill to make provision for or in connection with the relief of debts of certain developing countries.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Bambos CharalambousLabour (Co-op)

Parliament last updated

12 September 2025

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill would create a framework to provide debt relief for certain developing countries and set out how that relief could be provided. It aims to reduce unsustainable external debt to support growth and development, with the specific rules and processes spelled out in the Bill. The measure is currently being considered in Parliament and is at the second reading stage in the Commons.

Key Points

Establishes a framework for debt relief for qualifying developing countries.
Aims to alleviate unsustainable external debt to promote economic stability and development.
Outlines who can benefit and how relief would be delivered under the Bill.
Sponsored by Labour MP Bambos Charalambous and progressing in the Commons.
Part of policy areas on Economy (and potentially related to technology through implementation).

Progress

The Bill has completed its first reading and is at the second reading in the House of Commons, with the second reading held on 12 September 2025.

Who is affected?

Developing countries with debt burdens that might qualify for reliefUK taxpayers and public finances (potential fiscal implications)Creditors (private and official) holding debts of the affected countriesInternational financial institutions (e.g., IMF, World Bank) involved in debt relief frameworksAid organisations and charities working on debt relief and developmentCivil society organisations monitoring debt relief and its impacts

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

13 Nov 2024

2nd readingCommons

12 Sept 2025

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill

14 Nov 2024

Order for Second Reading on Friday 12 September, read and discharged.

This is a Private Members' Bill and was introduced to Parliament on Wednesday 13 November under the Ten Minute Rule.

Documents (1)

Bill 128 2024-25 (as introduced)

BillCommons

12 Mar 2025

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.