2.3 the legislative process
The legislative function of Westminster is the process of parliamentary
bills becoming law. During each parliament, the govt will introduce many
Public Bills into the Commons.
Legislative stages (must happen in both chambers):
First reading
Announcement that a particular bill has started legislative process.
Bill becomes available to be views & scrutinised by everyone.
Second reading
Debate in chamber over the bill & members of Lords or Commons
decide if it should be accepted in principle.
Case in favour will be outlined by a govt minister, & then a member
of opposition will respond alongside backbenchers – debate.
After debate, vote will take place – if successful = bill moves
forward. If chamber votes against bill = defeated.
Committee stage
Committee will consider bill & examine it in detail.
Committee will decide whether to make changes to / remove any
clause within the bill & consider amendments to the bill proposed by
govt/members of lords & commons.
Commons – standing committee reviews bill – made up of members
of parliament from different parties – most of committee will be
members of governing party.
- Public Bill Committee
Lords – involves any members who wish to participate & will often
happen in main chamber of the House.
Report stage
Discussion of amendments made in committee stage.
Takes place in main chambers of both houses with all members of
each.
Chamber will agree / reject the proposed amendments to the bill by
voting & more amendments may be added.
The legislative function of Westminster is the process of parliamentary
bills becoming law. During each parliament, the govt will introduce many
Public Bills into the Commons.
Legislative stages (must happen in both chambers):
First reading
Announcement that a particular bill has started legislative process.
Bill becomes available to be views & scrutinised by everyone.
Second reading
Debate in chamber over the bill & members of Lords or Commons
decide if it should be accepted in principle.
Case in favour will be outlined by a govt minister, & then a member
of opposition will respond alongside backbenchers – debate.
After debate, vote will take place – if successful = bill moves
forward. If chamber votes against bill = defeated.
Committee stage
Committee will consider bill & examine it in detail.
Committee will decide whether to make changes to / remove any
clause within the bill & consider amendments to the bill proposed by
govt/members of lords & commons.
Commons – standing committee reviews bill – made up of members
of parliament from different parties – most of committee will be
members of governing party.
- Public Bill Committee
Lords – involves any members who wish to participate & will often
happen in main chamber of the House.
Report stage
Discussion of amendments made in committee stage.
Takes place in main chambers of both houses with all members of
each.
Chamber will agree / reject the proposed amendments to the bill by
voting & more amendments may be added.
