(1.1)the parliamentary stages of a Bill

What is the first reading

The government first introduces the Bill into the Commons (or occasionally the Lords), where it receives a first reading. This is just a formal announcement of the Bill and it is followed by a vote to allow it to move to its next stage.

Second reading

At the second reading of the Bill, its main principles are considered and debated by the whole House of Commons and a vote is taken. As the government has the support of a majority of MPs, they will usually win this vote. If so, the Bill then moves on to the committee stage.

What is the committee stage

The Bill is now examined in detail, by a small committee made up of MPs from different parties. The committee will report back to the whole House and will often propose amendments (changes) to the Bill

The report stage

The report stage gives MPs an opportunity to consider the committee’s report and to debate and vote on any amendments they might wish to make to the Bill. For major Bills, the debates may be spread over several days

What is the Third reading

The report stage is normally followed immediately by a third reading of the Bill. This is the final chance for the Commons to debate the Bill’s contents. No amendments are allowed at this stage - the House voted either to pass the Bill or to reject it

What do The Lords do with the Bill

After the third reading, the Bill goes to the House of Lords, where it goes through the same stages as in the Commons. If The Lords have amended the Bill, it must return to the Commons so MPs can decide whether to accept or reject the Lords’ amendments. The House of Commons has the final say because it is made up of the people’s elected representatives

What is a Royal Assent

Once the Bill has been passed by both House of Parliament, it goes to the monarch for signing, known as the Royal Assent. This is the monarch’s agreement to make the Bill into an Act of Parliament or law and is a formality

What is the result of the Royal Assent

The new law will now come into force immediately, unless the Act specifies that it will only apply from some later date (known as a commencement order)