Royal Assent

The formal approval required for a bill to become an Act of Parliament.

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament bill process explainer

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

Royal Assent is the final formal step in the passage of a bill. Once both Houses of Parliament have agreed the text, the bill is submitted for Royal Assent. After assent is granted, the bill becomes an Act of Parliament. In modern practice, this is a constitutional formality rather than a personal political decision.

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