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Non-fatal motion (prayer) to object to the instrument withdrawn Procedures with step depth

House of Commons

A step of type Business step.

A non-fatal motion (prayer) does not stop a statutory instrument being law but may be used by either House to indicate concern. In the Commons, a prayer motion tabled outside the 40 sitting days period is non-fatal as it can only object to the instrument, rather than stop it.

There are 3 procedures.

  1. Non-fatal motion (prayer) to object to the instrument withdrawn has step depth 15 in the Draft negative procedure

    Instruments subject to the draft negative procedure are laid in draft and do not require approval in Parliament before being signed in law. Instruments concerning taxation are not laid in the Lords. Either House may pass a motion within the objection period which prevents the instrument being signed into law. The instrument cannot be signed into law by a Minister until the end of the objection period.

  2. Non-fatal motion (prayer) to object to the instrument withdrawn has step depth 20 in the Legislative Reform Order procedure

    Legislative Reform Orders (LROs) are a specific type of delegated legislation that the Government can use to remove or reduce burdens that result directly or indirectly from legislation, or to promote principles of better regulation. They are made under terms set out in the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 and are subject to scrutiny by a special committee in each House.

  3. Non-fatal motion (prayer) to object to the instrument withdrawn has step depth 15 in the Made negative procedure

    Instruments subject to the made negative procedure do not require approval in Parliament before becoming law. These instruments may come into force on any date after being laid. Instruments concerning taxation are not laid in the Lords. Either House may pass a motion within the objection period which annuls the instrument and stops it having effect.

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