Reasoned Amendment

An amendment that sets out reasons for opposing a bill, often at Second Reading.

Also used as: reasoned amendments

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament bill process explainer

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

A reasoned amendment is an amendment, often moved at Second Reading, that sets out reasons why the House should decline to give a bill a further reading. Rather than simply voting against the bill, members use a reasoned amendment to place their objections formally on the record and explain why they oppose the legislation.

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