Wash-up in United Kingdom

Wash-up Meaning, as used in the UK Parliament

The wash-up period refers to the last few days of a Parliament before dissolution. Any unfinished business is lost at dissolution and the Government may need the co-operation of the Opposition in passing legislation that is still in progress.

Wash-up was more frenetic before the introduction of Fixed-term Parliaments which have made General Election dates predictable. In the past some Bills might be lost completely, while others were progressed quickly but in a much-shortened form.