Major Acts of Parliament UK

Unites the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

1707

Establishes the principle that the monarch cannot rule without Parliament's consent, laying the foundation for constitutional monarchy.

1689

Abolishes the slave trade in the British Empire, making it illegal to carry enslaved people on British ships.

1807

Grants voting rights to men over 21 and women over 30 who meet property qualifications, expanding the electorate.

1918

Unites Great Britain and Ireland to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

1800

Reorganises local government in England and Wales, creating county councils and urban districts.

1888

Introduces a national system of free, compulsory education for children aged 5 to 10 in England and Wales.

1870

Removes legal and political disabilities from Roman Catholics, allowing them to hold public office.

1829

Abolishes slavery throughout the British Empire, compensating slave owners.

1833

Reforms the electoral system by redistributing seats and extending the franchise to most adult males.

1832

Secures the Protestant succession to the throne by designating Sophia, Electress of Hanover, and her Protestant heirs, excluding Catholics, and strengthens parliamentary authority.

1701

Grants women over 21 the right to vote on equal terms with men.

1928

Creates the National Health Service, providing free healthcare to all UK residents.

1946

Decriminalises homosexual acts between consenting adults in private in England and Wales.

1967

Establishes the Bank of England as the central bank with a monopoly on issuing banknotes.

1694

Introduces secret ballots for elections, reducing voter intimidation and corruption.

1872

Grants independence to India, partitioning it into India and Pakistan.

1947

Devolves legislative powers to a Scottish Parliament, re-established after nearly 300 years.

1998

Reduces the voting age to 18 for all UK elections.

1969

Transfers remaining legislative powers from the European Union to the UK Parliament post-Brexit.

2020

Establishes a minimum wage for workers across the UK.

1998