Written question asked by Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. It was answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Non-affiliated) on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 on behalf of the Senior Deputy Speaker (HL).

Amendments and New Clauses

Question: To ask The Senior Deputy Speaker why there is no limitation on the number of amendments that Members of the House of Lords may table to legislation.

Answer: The arrangements for tabling amendments to bills are agreed by the House. No limit applies, in part, because the number of amendments required to achieve a desired change to a bill can vary depending on the structure and complexity of the bill in question and the nature of the change being sought. Members are not able to table an amendment to a Bill which is identical in form or effect to an amendment already in the list. The Procedure and Privileges Committee keeps the House’s procedures under regular review, and I am always happy to discuss these procedures with Members.

Secondary information