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Last updated: 15 July 2010
Set out below is a broad overview of how a Government Bill passes through Parliament to become an Act. A more detailed explanation of the process is available at House of Commons Factsheets:
In order to become an Act of Parliament, a Bill must be passed by both Houses of Parliament and receive Royal Assent.
Acts of Parliament consist of the following main elements-
Bills contain the same elements, but 'sections' of Bills are called 'clauses' (although, somewhat perversely, divisions of clauses are called 'subsections').
A Bill may be introduced in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords. The Bill goes through the same stages in each House-
This involves simply reading out the long title of the Bill - signifying the introduction of the Bill.
At least two weekends are usually left between First Reading and Second Reading, to give the House time to study the Bill. Second Reading gives the House an opportunity to debate the key issues raised by the Bill. If the House approves the Bill on Second Reading it goes on to its next stage.
In the House of Commons, most Bills are referred to a Public Bill Committee. A Public Bill Committee usually consists of around 20 MPs. In the House of Lords, most Bills go through Committee stage on the floor of the House. The Committee goes through the Bill clause by clause and Schedule by Schedule. Amendments to the clauses and Schedules are considered and voted on. Each clause and Schedule must be voted to 'stand part' of the Bill (whether or not it has been amended).
Report is taken on the floor of the House in both the Commons and the Lords. At Report stage, the House considers further amendments to the Bill. The House does not vote on whether each clause or Schedule should be part of the Bill, but may vote to leave out a clause or Schedule.
In the Commons, Third Reading is usually taken immediately after Report. In the Lords, it is usually taken at a later date. Amendments may be made to the Bill at Third Reading in the Lords but not in the Commons. Third Reading gives a final chance to debate the principles of the Bill. If the House votes in favour of the Bill at Third Reading, it is passed by that House.
After the Bill has been passed by the first House, it is introduced in the second House, and goes through the same stages there.
If the Bill is passed by the second House without any amendments being made to it in that House, it then awaits Royal Assent.
If the Bill is passed by the second House with amendments, the amendments go back to the first House for their agreement. If the first House disagree with any of the amendments, they can send those amendments back to the second House with a view to reaching agreement. This stage is called 'to-ing and fro-ing'. If the two Houses insist on incompatible amendments, the Bill fails. If the amendments are agreed on, the Bill then awaits Royal Assent.
Once a Bill is given Royal Assent, it becomes an Act of Parliament.
For Bills currently before Parliament, and amendments to them:
For Acts of Parliament since 1988:
