The Legislative Programme 2008-09

Until last year the legislative programme for a session (normally a year, running from November to Novemeber, though adjusted for the first session after a General Election; and cut short when an election is called) - was announced in the Queen's Speech. However, one of Gordon Brown's first acts as Prime Minister was to announce and publish the draft legislative programme in the summer. If this practice is followed, it will be a major constitutional development for which Brown will be remembered.

The draft programme for 2008-09 was published this week. It is available at http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm73/7372/7372.pdf. A summary of the 4 major themes can be found at http://www.commonsleader.gov.uk/output/Page2391.asp.

While there could be a General Election to shorten the session, it is likely that 2008-09 will be the last full session before Britain goes to the polls.