Legislative Process
This page details the stages a bill goes through to become law in the UK Parliament, highlighting the Parliamentary stages of a bill.
Pre-legislative Process
- Ministry drafts ideas for law changes
- Green Paper may be issued for consultation
- White Paper may be published stating government's decision
- Bill is drafted by Parliamentary Counsel
Stages in the House of Commons
- First Reading: Formal introduction of the bill
- Second Reading: Main debate and vote
- Committee Stage: Detailed examination and potential amendments
- Report Stage: Committee reports back on amendments
- Third Reading: Final vote and possible debate
House of Lords Process
The bill goes through similar stages in the House of Lords. "Ping-pong" may occur if amendments are made, with the bill moving back and forth between the two Houses.
Royal Assent
The final stage where the monarch formally approves the bill, making it an Act of Parliament.
Definition: Royal Assent is the monarch's formal approval of a bill, transforming it into an Act of Parliament.
Highlight: The Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949 limit the power of the House of Lords, giving greater authority to the elected House of Commons.
Example: The Hunting Act 2004 was passed using the Parliament Acts to override House of Lords objections.
Quote: "Even if its members vote against a Bill, it can become law as under the Parliaments Acts 1911 and 1949, as long as it has been reintroduced to the House of Commons."