how does a new law come into being?

• A ‘Green Paper’ is the first stage in the law-making process, where the new law is proposed.
• The ‘Green Paper’ is opened for public debate and consultation.
• If the ‘Green Paper’ is the subject of public debate and consultation, it becomes a ‘White Paper’ where the laws proposed are set out more formally.
• The ‘White Paper’ becomes the ‘Bill’, which is presented to parliament.
• A ‘Bill’ can be presented to either the house of commons or the house of lords, except finance bills which must go to the commons first.