Effecting Legislative change and navigating political processes

Understanding and being able to participate actively in Legislative and Parliamentary process is crucial for business and affected stakeholders on matters as wide ranging as major new infrastructure proposals, like HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), to other regulatory matters, like pensions reform. 

We have an experienced Legislative and Parliamentary legal capability, able to advise on legal, strategic and procedural issues associated with the Parliamentary process.  Our services cover both the Westminster Parliament and the legislatures of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as devolution, regional government structures and constitutional reform.  

Promoting and amending legislation

We can help carry through amendments to Government legislation on behalf of clients by advising on process, drafting and tabling amendments and briefing peers and members of Parliament.  

Our Parliamentary lawyers advise on the promotion of primary and secondary legislation, including its potential impact and how to influence it.  In particular, we can assist with Private and Hybrid Bills - these are Bills which affect private interests, and so provide the opportunity for private bodies and individuals to engage in the Parliamentary process to protect their interests.  

Our Team includes Partner, Francis Tyrrell who is highly experienced in advising on Parliamentary matters, including objecting to ('petitioning') Private and Hybrid Bills, for example the High Speed Two (HS2) bills, where he was a Roll 'B' Parliamentary Agent; and partner Sarah Baillie who has been involved in the promotion of a number of Bills in the Scottish Parliament.

Political processes

Additionally, advice on Parliamentary and legislature processes can be crucial when clients may be involved in other Parliamentary processes such as Select Committees.  We can help clients navigate a safe passage through (sometimes daunting) scrutiny processes, including making written submissions and understanding and preparing for Select Committee hearings.  

Addleshaw Goddard's legislative offering sits alongside our infrastructure authorisation practice, promoting and drafting statutory instruments to provide powers for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and ports, airports, rail, road and guided transport systems generally.