Stages of a Bill to become an Act of Parliament

First Reading

This is a formal procedure when the name and main aims of the Bill are read out.  The in the House of Commons MPs can vote for this is two different ways – Verbally by shouting ‘Aye’ or ‘No’ or formally by each member of the House walking through a special chamber.

Second Reading

This is the most significant process on the entire Bill in which MPs discuss the main principles behind the Bill.  The speaker of the House control the debate to ensure all MPs who wish to speak can do so.  At the end of the debate the MP will vote the same way as for the First Reading.  They walk through the ‘division lobby’ where commons officials called ‘tellers’ will physically count them.

Committee Stage

At this stage a standing committee which will range from sixteen to fifty MPs, the members will usually be those with the special interest in or knowledge of the subject of Bill, which is being considered, undertakes a detailed examination of each clause of the Bill. However for finance Bills the whole House will sit in committee.

Report Stage

It occurs in the House of Commons and usually takes a short time; here the MPs can suggest and debate amendments to the Bill. However, if there were amendments at the Committee Stages, there will not be a Report Stage.

Third Reading

It is a final vote on the Bill. It will pass through all the above stages again. At this stage it is unlikely to fail.  It is a short re-run on any amendments and a vote may take place.

House of Lords

The Bill goes through the same five stages.  If the House of Lords make amendments to the Bill, then it will go back to the House of Commons for it to consider those amendments.  However, if the House of Commons, under the Parliament Act 1911 and 1949, becomes law if the House of Commons passes it for the second time.

Royal Assent

The final stage is where the Monach formally gives approval to the Bill and it then becomes an Act of Parliament.  This is now a formality and under the Royal Assent Act 1961 the Monach will only have the short title to which she is assenting.