Universal Credit (British Citizens) Bill

What the bill does

A Bill to restrict eligibility to claim Universal Credit to British citizens; 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 Universal Credit (British Citizens) Bill

What stage is the Universal Credit (British Citizens) Bill at?

The Universal Credit (British Citizens) Bill is currently at 2nd reading in the UK Parliament.

Has the Universal Credit (British Citizens) Bill become law?

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

What happens next to the Universal Credit (British Citizens) Bill?

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

Who sponsored the Universal Credit (British Citizens) Bill?

The Universal Credit (British Citizens) Bill was sponsored by Richard Tice.

When was the Universal Credit (British Citizens) Bill introduced?

It was introduced to Parliament on 6 January 2026, at first reading.

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• Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill [HL] · Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
• Environmental Impact Assessment (Downstream Emissions) Bill · Harriet Cross
• Short-term Let Accommodation Bill · Rachael Maskell

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