Government processes

• To create a new law, it starts with:

  • Green paper
  • White paper
• 1. First reading

  Name of bill and main aims read out. Formal vote taken.
• 2. Second reading

  Main debate of bill followed by another vote.
• 3. Committee stage

  A group of representatives look at the bill to address any issues and suggest possible changes.
• 4. Report stage

  Committee report back to the House who then vote on any proposed amendments.
• 5. Third reading

  Final vote on the bill takes place.
• 6. Royal assent

  The monarch signs the bill. The bill then becomes an Act of Parliament.