process of a ‘Bill’ through parliament

• 1st stage: first reading - aims announced, vote taken
• 2nd stage: second reading - aims debated, vote again
• 3rd stage: committee stage - select group asked to studt it mroe closely and look into issue and suggest amendments
• 4th stage: report stage - committee's findings read out and vote taken on amendments proposed
• 4th stage: third reading - final vote taken on the 'Bill'
• 6th stage: these stages are then all repeated through the house of lords, who may suggest amendments. if they do, it has to be passed back to the commons for approval. the commons have the final say as elected representatives
• 7th stage: royal assent - the monarch gives their approval (this is just a formality, they cannot refuse the Bill)
• 8th stage: the Bill is now an act of parliament given to come into effect