Version Control

Current Template Version & Previous Release Notes

The EM Template is sometimes updated to introduce new functionality or to support new versions of Microsoft Word. When this happens it may mean that older versions of the template are no longer supported. Users therefore need to ensure that they are using the most recent version of the template.

Major new releases of the template will be advertised to registered users of the legislation.gov.uk Publishing Service.

The template is identified by a version number. The current version is CO/EM/2024.1 (Released January 2024). This template version should be used from the date of release. The template version can be identified by the template reference in the footer of the EM Template file.

• Version CO/EM/2024.1 contains a number of changes that overhaul the EM structure.
• Version CO/EM/2022.3 of the EM Template and Guidance amends Section 4 to clarify terminology and update the Monarch's pronouns. (Released September 2022)
• The EM Template Guidance was updated in March 2022 to specify the need to include a description in section 7 when creating either a delegation of power or a new offence.
• Version CO/EM/2021.2 of the EM Template is an update to account for the revocation of the English Votes for English Laws procedure. (Released July 2021)
• Version CO/EM/2021.1 of the EM Template is an update that factors in new statement requirements under EUWA 2018. (Released May 2021)
• Version DExEU/EM/6-2018.1 of the EM Template is a substantial rewrite containing new sections and an Annex relating to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. (Released June 2018)
• Version TNA/EM/10-2015.1 of the EM Template corrected a paragraph numbering and formatting error in Section 6. Option for "not subject to parliamentary procedure" added to Sections 3 and 6. Option descriptions in Section 3 subsection for "Other matters of interest to the House of Commons" updated for clarification and word "provision" added to penultimate line in second paragraph option for Option A paragraph 3.4 (... National Assembly for Wales if equivalent provision in relation...). Standard wording added to paragraph 5.1 and Option B paragraph 5.4 to indicate the information to be provided in these paragraphs. (Released: November 2015)
• Version TNA/EM/10-2015 of the EM Template was initial release containing new sections for English Votes in Sections 3 and 5.  Also contained updates for Sections 8 - 10 and introduced standard styles for EM formatting including automatic numbering. (Released: October 2015)

Information on how to use the EM Template and associated styles can be found under User Guides - please see related pages on the right-hand side of the screen.