parliamentary law making stages

green bill stage

its a document proposing a new law sent to all interested parties so that they can share their views it can have outsiders giving input

white paper stage

this is a more formal version of the green paper its a statemen of intent and there are limited opportunities to comment

draft bill

the proposal is now more formal and set out in bill format

first reading

the first debate about the new bill in parliament in HOL or HOC where the name and main aims of the bill is read out

second reading

bill debated, vote taken. If majority not in favour - end of bill. If majority vote for it - carries on. 

committee stage

Bill goes before committee made up of 16-50 MPs reflecting composition of the House of Commons. Discuss amendments and vote on suggested changes. 

report stage

Committee reports back to House with suggested changes.

third reading

final vote on the bill almost a formality bill will most likely go through at this point

what happens after its been through the house of commons

it will repeat the same steps in the house of lords only difference is that there is no select committee there could be a potential ping pong stage

ping pong stage

if the house of lords don’t like legislation it will be sent back to the house of commons to be fixed and then sent back again this can happen for a while but at max for one year

royal assent

the bill is sent to the king to be signed off on