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How a bill becomes law in the UK
Bills must pass both Houses and receive Royal Assent to become law.
- First reading - the bill is formally introduced. No debate takes place.
- Second reading - MPs or peers debate the bill's general principles and vote on whether it should proceed.
- Committee stage - line-by-line scrutiny, where most amendments are made.
- Report stage - the whole House reviews the amended bill and can make further changes.
- Third reading - a final debate and vote on the finished text.
- The other House - the bill repeats all five stages in the second chamber. If the Houses disagree on amendments, it passes back and forth ("ping-pong") until they agree a single text.
- Royal Assent - the bill becomes an Act of Parliament. It is now law, though many Acts come into force later through commencement regulations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a bill and an Act?
A bill is a proposal for legislation still being considered by Parliament. Once both Houses have passed it and it receives Royal Assent, it becomes an Act of Parliament - the law itself, although some provisions may come into force at a later date.
What are the stages of a bill?
Each House gives a bill a first reading, a second reading debate on its principles, committee-stage scrutiny, a report stage and a third reading. The bill must pass all stages in both the Commons and the Lords, and both Houses must agree the same final text.
What is a private members' bill?
A private members' bill is introduced by an individual MP or peer rather than the government. Only a small number become law each session, usually those the government chooses to support, because parliamentary time is controlled largely by the government.