UK Parliament Consultation launched on Hybrid Bill procedure and practice 29 April 2021 A public consultation has been launched on Hybrid Bill procedure and practice. Hybrid bills combine elements of public and private bills. This means they apply generally but also have a particular effect on specific groups, people or places. The High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Bill is an example. Hybrid bills can be used to secure parliamentary approval for major infrastructure projects, as an alternative to seeking consent under the planning process. This is the second stage of a review of Hybrid Bill procedure. The first stage began in 2016 and was completed in 2017. The overall scope of the review is to consider and make recommendations about possible changes to the procedure and practice of both Houses in relation to hybrid bills so as to make the hybrid bill process simpler and less time-consuming for all those involved, without unfairly curtailing the right of those who are directly and specially affected by such bills to make their case effectively, or the right of the Government to ensure the passage of their legislation through Parliament”.