How does a bill become law?

Question 1

1. What are the origins of a Bill?

Answer 1

1. It may originate as a Green Paper (a document that sets out options for legislation and invites consultation) or a White Paper (a more detailed statement of the governments intentions). Not compulsory.

Question 2

1. What is the first reading?

Answer 2

1. It is compulsory. Bill is made available to MPs, but not voted on, or debated.

Question 3

1. What is the second reading?

Answer 3

1. The principle of the bill is debated, and a vote may be taken if this is contested.

Question 4

1. What is the Committee stage?

Answer 4

1. The bill is scrutinised in detail by a public bill committee, its membership reflects that of the parties in the Commons. Amendments can be made at this stage, if the government accepts them.

Question 5

1. What is the report stage?

Answer 5

1. The House either accepts or rejects amendments made at the committee stage.

Question 6

1. What is the third reading?

Answer 6

1. The amended bill is debated and the House votes on it.

Question 7

1a. What are the House of Lords stages?

1b. Does the Commons have to accept amendments?

Answer 7

1a. They are the same as those in the Commons, with the exception of the committee stage, which is carried out by the whole house.
1b. No, the bill can undergo ‘parliamentary ping pong’ for a year, before it becomes law.

Question 8

1. What is Royal assent?

Answer 8

1. The monarch signs the bill, making it law. This is a formality, as the monarch would never refuse to sign a bill.