Sentencing Guidelines Bill faces final checks in the Lords
11 June 2025
Members of the House of Lords concluded their final checks of the Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Bill at third reading on Tuesday 10 June.
The Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Bill aims to prevent sentencing guidelines from referring to personal characteristics such as race, religion or belief, and cultural background in their guidance regarding when a pre-sentence report should be requested.
'Tidy up'
Third reading, a chance for members to make sure the eventual law is effective, workable and without loopholes, is scheduled for Tuesday 10 June.
Proposed changes
As no amendments (changes) to the bill were put forward ahead of third reading, members discussed the progress of the bill through the Lords.
Catch up
- Watch on Parliament TV.
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript.
Explore further information
Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.
Next steps
As both Houses have agreed on the text of the bill, it now awaits its final stage of Royal Assent when the bill will become an Act of Parliament (law).
Royal Assent is scheduled for Thursday 19 June.
What's happened so far?
Report stage
Report stage, a chance for members to make further checks and changes, took place on Wednesday 4 June.
Committee stage
Line-by-line examination of the bill took place during committee stage on Monday 19 May.
Second reading
Second reading, a full debate on the key principles of the bill, took place on Wednesday 7 May.
Image: Adobe Stock
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