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Great British Energy Bill receives Royal Assent
1 May 2025
The Great British Energy Bill returned to the House of Lords for consideration of Commons amendments in ‘ping pong’, on Wednesday 30 April.
The Great British Energy Bill seeks to establish Great British Energy, as a publicly-owned and operationally independent energy company.
Consideration of amendments
The bill was considered by the House of Lords between 30 October 2024 and 25 February 2025 before returning to the House of Commons in a process known as parliamentary 'ping pong'.
On Wednesday 30 April, Lords members considered a single change (PDF) made by MPs in the House of Commons. This change rejected an amendment previously agreed to in the House of Lords.
The Lords amendment had sought to withhold financial assistance to any designated company under Great British Energy where there exists credible evidence of modern slavery in the energy supply chain.
Government amendment
To address these concerns, the government put forward an alternative amendment that introduces measures to tackle modern slavery in supply chains.
These measures include the appointment of Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway as Great British Energy's senior individual dedicated to providing oversight to ensure ethical supply chains.
The amendment was agreed to by members.
Catch up
- Watch the Parliament TV recording.
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript.
Royal Assent
Following agreement by both Houses on the text of the bill it received Royal Assent on 15 May. The bill is now an Act of Parliament (law).
Explore further information
Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.
What's happened so far
Third reading
Third reading, a chance for members to ‘tidy up' the bill, ensuring the text is effective, workable and without loopholes, took place on Tuesday 25 February.
Report stage
Further detailed examination of the bill took place during report stage on Tuesday 11 February.
Committee stage
Line-by-line examination of the bill took place during committee stage between Tuesday 3 December 2024 and Wednesday 15 January 2025.
Second reading
Second reading, the main debate on the key principles and purpose of the draft law, took place on Monday 18 November.
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