Parliamentary Law Making - A Level Law AQA Revision

Initial Consultation Process

Green Papers:
- Issued by the government for policy proposal debate.
- Aim to gather feedback from both inside and outside Parliament.
- Contain multiple policy options.
- Printed on pale green paper.
White Papers:
- Contain detailed legislative proposals.
- Issued before introducing a bill to Parliament.
- Often accompanied by a statement from the sponsoring department's secretary of state.

Introduction:
- Bills usually introduced in the House of Commons by relevant minister.
- Can also start in the House of Lords.
First Reading:
- Title and main aims read out, no debate.
- Verbal vote to decide progression to Second Reading.
Second Reading:
- Debate on main policy areas by the whole House.
- Led by the proposing minister.
- Progression requires majority vote.
Committee Stage:
- Detailed examination by a standing committee (16-50 MPs) with expertise.
- Line-by-line scrutiny and amendments.
- Progression requires voting on amendments.
Report Stage:
- Committee reports to the whole House on issues and amendments.
- Ensures adherence to Second Reading principles.
- Allows for additional amendments.
Third Reading:
- Final review, generally a formality.
- Successful vote leads to House of Lords.

First and Second Readings:
- Similar to House of Commons.
Committee Stage:
- Conducted by whole House, not standing committees.
- Limited delay authority due to Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949.
- House of Commons can bypass after delays.
Ping Pong:
- Bills may go back and forth between Houses until compromise.

Royal Assent:
- Given by the monarch or appointed representatives (Speakers of the Houses).
- Customary formality with no refusal since 1707.
- Bill becomes law usually at midnight on the day of assent.