The UK Law Making Process: From Bill to Royal Assent

This essay describes the process of making a law in the UK, starting with the first reading in the House of Commons, where the Bill is formally introduced. The second reading allows MPs to debate the general principles and themes of the Bill, followed by the committee stage, where each clause an...Read More

House of commons
Third reading
House of
Commons
If England-only
issue amendments
First reading Back to House if
section rejected
Second reading General principles
Committee stage
Theme of the Bill
Report stage
Grand Committee of
English MPs approves
relevant part
English MPs
Committee stage
House of lord
Double majority
of English MPs
and all MPs Royal Assent

Describe the process of making a law in the UK:
 The first reading of a Bill is the first stage of its passage through the House of Commons;
it is usually a formality that occurs without debate.
 The second reading is the first opportunity for MPs to debate the Bill's general principles
and themes. The second reading debate is initiated by the Government minister,
spokesperson, or MP in charge of the Bill. The official spokesperson for the opposition
responds with their thoughts on the Bill. The debate continues, with comments from
other Opposition parties and backbenchers. At the end of the debate, the Commons
votes on whether the Bill should be given a second reading, indicating that it can move
on to the next stage.
 After the second reading, the Bill is sent to committee, where each clause (part) and any
amendments (proposals for change) to the Bill can be debated. The Committee stage is
where the Bill is thoroughly examined. It usually begins a few weeks after a Bill's second
reading, though this is not guaranteed.
 After the committee stage, the Bill coming to the third reading where the amended Bill
can be debated and further amendments proposed. The third reading is the last
opportunity for the Commons to debate the contents of a Bill. It usually happens right
after the report stage as the next item of business on the same day.
 At the conclusion of the debate, the House decides (votes on) whether to approve the
Bill's third reading. If the Bill was introduced in the House of Commons, it is sent to the
House of Lords for its first reading. When a bill has passed through third reading in both
Houses the bill is ready for royal assent once the exact wording has been agreed upon
by the Commons and Lords.
 When a bill has passed through all of the parliamentary stages in both Houses, it is ready
for royal assent. The Queen formally agrees to make the bill into an Act of Parliament at
this point.