legislative stages

• first reading


  the bill's title is read by the MP who's proposing the bill, and a date and time are set for the second reading.
• second reading


  the whole house will debate the bill

  is there is a division in opinion a vote will be called

  members vote by walking through I door or NO door

  parties often have a "party whip" at the doors to ensure that members vote according to party beliefs

  the speaker will then announce the favour of the bill
• committee stage


  the bill is scrutinised by the public bill committee

  the committee is made up of 16-50 MP's who are all experts in the area

  any suggestions from the second reading are considered

  however, for finance bills the whole house will sit during this stage
• report stage


  this only happens if there are any changes made in the committee stage

  report any changes back to the house

  each change is debated by the house and voted on
• third reading


  this is the final reading of the bill

  there is a short vote and debate on any changes to be made
• houses of lords (other house)

  the whole process is once again repeated

  The House of Commons does not have to accept any changes proposed by the HOL

  the HOL can delay a bill for up to a year (1 month for finance) but they cannot prevent one

  it then goes back to the HOC for consideration of any changes

  parliamentary ping pong may happen where a bill goes back and forth
• what act can HOC use to bypass HOL

  Parliament Act 1911 and 1949 --> If the HOL rejects the bill it can still be passed but the bill must be re-introduced and go through the process again and skip HOL
• Royal ascent


  the king signs the bill and it becomes an act at midnight or a predetermined date.