Parliamentary Law Making- Legislative Stages.

First Reading

The bill is announced, so MP's are aware. No debate.

Second Reading

This is the main debate stage. The Minster, MP or Lord responsible will describe the aims of the bill and read out questions. At the end of the debate, a vote is taken. The must be a majority in favour for the bill to be passed any further.

Committee stage

A detailed examination of the bill by 15-60 MPs. Usually done by a standing committee. Committee can make amendments if needed. This stage is very beneficial, as it scrutinises the act, so any possible additional points can be made.

Report stage

The committee will report back to the house on the amendments they have made, ready for a debate. There will be a vote on whether to accept these amendments or not. If there are no amendments from the committee, this stage will be skipped and the bill will go straight onto the third reading.

Third reading

The house has a final look at the bill and will decide whether it will go further. This is very much a formality, it is unlikely to fail at this stage.

Repeat process in the other house

The process will be repeated in the other house (house of commons or house of lords). If this house makes amendments, it will go back to the house that it started from. This is referred to as ping-pong. The house of Lords can only delay the passage of a bill by up to a year.

Royal Assent

The bill is approved by a Monarch. It becomes an Act of Parliament. Very much a formality.