Consular Assistance (Journalists) Bill

What the bill does

A Bill to make provision for a right to consular assistance for British journalists abroad who have been detained or held hostage; and for connected purposes.

Progress through Parliament

What 2nd reading means, and what happens next

Second reading is the first full debate on the principle of the bill. The House votes on whether it should proceed at all.

If it passes, the bill goes to committee stage, where it is examined line by line and amendments are considered.

Read the full guide to this stage: What happens at second reading of a bill

Questions about the Consular Assistance (Journalists) Bill

What stage is the Consular Assistance (Journalists) Bill at?

The Consular Assistance (Journalists) Bill is currently at 2nd reading in the UK Parliament.

Has the Consular Assistance (Journalists) Bill become law?

Not yet. A bill becomes law only when it has passed both Houses and received Royal Assent. The Consular Assistance (Journalists) Bill is currently at 2nd reading.

What happens next to the Consular Assistance (Journalists) Bill?

If it passes, the bill goes to committee stage, where it is examined line by line and amendments are considered.

Who sponsored the Consular Assistance (Journalists) Bill?

The Consular Assistance (Journalists) Bill was sponsored by Blair McDougall.

When was the Consular Assistance (Journalists) Bill introduced?

It was introduced to Parliament on 22 January 2025, at first reading.

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