The Parliamentary process

The First Reading of a Bill starts the process of passing it through Parliament. There is no debate at this stage, but its passing enables the Bill to be published.

The Second Reading (which took place on January 30 for HS2 Phase 2a) is the first opportunity for MPs to debate the Bill’s main principles. If approved, it moves on to the third stage.

At this, the committee stage, a Public Bill Committee is formed to examine the Bill in detail. Amendments to the Bill can be proposed, but only members of the committee can vote on them.

Every clause in the Bill is agreed to, changed or removed. Following any amendments, the Bill is reprinted and moves back to the House of Commons.

There it receives further examination from MPs in the Report stage, where MPs can speak and suggest amendments. Following this, the Bill moves to the Third Reading, usually immediately after the report stage. If the Third Reading is approved, the Bill moves to the House of Lords where a similar process takes place.

Following a Third Reading in the House of Lords, each House considers the other’s amendments, and once the exact wording has been agreed it is ready for Royal Assent.

Here, an announcement is made in both Houses, and the legislation comes into effect in accordance with the provisions in the Bill.