Legislative Process in Parliament: Papers and Readings
Learn how a UK Bill becomes an Act, from optional Green and White Papers through readings, committee scrutiny, both Houses and Royal Assent, for A Level Law.
A proposed law usually becomes an Act of Parliament by passing through several stages in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, then receiving Royal Assent. Green Papers and White Papers may come before a Bill is introduced, but they are not compulsory stages of every law.
Before Parliament
A Green Paper sets out ideas or possible changes and invites consultation. A White Paper usually presents more developed government proposals. The government may then draft a Bill, which is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law. Not every Bill begins with a Green Paper or White Paper, and not every Bill is introduced by the government.
The Bill’s Stages
A Bill generally starts in either House and goes through these stages:
- First reading: The Bill is formally introduced. There is no debate on its contents.
- Second reading: Members debate its main principles and vote on whether it should continue.
- Committee stage: Members examine the Bill in detail and may propose amendments, which are changes to its wording.
- Report stage: The House considers the Bill as amended and can propose further changes.
- Third reading: Members consider the Bill in its final form in that House and decide whether it should pass.
The Bill then goes through parliamentary stages in the other House. If the two Houses make different changes, they normally exchange the Bill until they agree on its wording. Once the required parliamentary approval is complete, the Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes an Act of Parliament.
Exam mistake to avoid: Do not describe Green Papers and White Papers as readings. They are possible consultation and policy documents; the readings are stages of a Bill in Parliament.
