How Laws Are Made

Types of Bills Private Bills Personal Bills Intended to affect one particular area or organisation Affect one or two people. Always begin in the House of Lords Personal Bills

Types of Bills Public Bills Private Government Members’ Bills Bills Intended to affect the public as a whole Government Bills Private Members’ Bills Steered through Parliament by a minister from the appropriate government department Sponsored by an individual MP or a Peer

Bill to Act of Parliament In the House of Commons: Bill In the House of Lords: Bill Royal Assent- signed by the Monarch: Act of Parliament becomes Law Laws are made by Acts of Parliament. Before an Act of Parliament passes through Parliament and is signed by the Monarch, it is called a Bill

Consultation stage Bill in the Houses of Parliament The Government makes a draft of the Bill and asks senior officials to make comments. The Bill is discussed and checked. The consultation process has 3 stages

Consultation stage Bill in the Houses of Parliament Draft Pre-legislative scrutiny Asking for information and help from experts The Bill is published, so that people can comment on it A careful examination to make sure there are no mistakes

First Reading Bill in the Houses of Parliament The Government tells everyone about the Bill by reading out its title in the House of Commons or House of Lords to let everyone know about it.

Second Reading Bill in the Houses of Parliament This is the main debating stage where all MPs or Lords can discuss the Bill, ask questions and vote on it. It could be voted out at this stage. The government minister, spokesperson or MP/Lord responsible for the Bill starts the second reading debate The opposition spokesperson responds with their views on the Bill The debate continues with other MPs/Lords giving their opinions At the end of the debate, the House decides whether the Bill should be given its second reading by voting

Committee Stage Bill in the Houses of Parliament A smaller group of MPs, or a large group of Lords, look at the Bill in detail. They may make changes, called ‘amendments’, based on their discussions.

Report Stage Bill in the Houses of Parliament Amendments made during the Committee Stage are reported to everyone in the House of Commons or House of Lords. MPs or Lords may vote on these amendments.

Third Reading Bill in the Houses of Parliament Overall consideration of the Bill in the House of Commons or House of Lords and final votes to decide whether it goes any further.

The Commons/Lords Stages Bill in the Houses of Parliament The Bill goes to the other House who follow similar stages. They can suggest amendments to the Bill and send it back, that House may send it back again until an agreement can be reached. If no agreement can be reached, the House of Commons can vote to pass the law without agreement from the House of Lords.

Royal Asset The Act of Parliament becomes law The Monarch signs-off the Bill as a new law or ‘Act of Parliament.

Consultation stage First Reading Second Reading Committee Stage Report Stage Third Reading The Government makes a draft of the Bill and asks senior officials to make comments. The Government tells everyone about the Bill by reading out its title in the House of Commons or House of Lords to let everyone know about it. This is the main debating stage where all MPs or Lords can discuss the Bill, ask questions and vote on it. It could be voted out at this stage. A smaller group of MPs or many Lords look at the Bill in detail. They may make changes, called ‘amendments’, based on their discussions. Amendments made during the Committee Stage are reported to everyone in either House. MPs or Lords may vote on these amendments. Overall consideration of the Bill in either House and final votes to decide whether it goes any further. Make clear that this is just an example – a Bill can start in either the House of Commons or House of Lords. The Commons/Lords Stages The Bill goes to the other House who follow similar stages. They can suggest amendments to the Bill and then send it back, that House may send it back again until an agreement can be reached. If no agreement can be reached, the House of Commons can vote to pass the law without agreement from the House of Lords. The Monarch signs-off the Bill as a new law or ‘Act of Parliament’. The Royal Assent

Consultation Stage House of Lords House of Commons Royal Assent First Reading Drafting Second Reading BILL Pre-legislative Scrutiny Committee Stage Report Stage BILL Third Reading House of Commons BILL First Reading Second Reading Royal Assent Committee Stage BILL ACT OF PARLIAMENT Report Stage Third Reading