Northern Ireland Bill
5 March 2009 (updated on 22 April 2010)
The Northern Ireland Bill was formally introduced in the House of Lords on 4 March, after it completed its stages in the Commons.
- Lords Hansard: Northern Ireland Bill
- Bills before Parliament: Northern Ireland Bill
- About Parliament: First reading
- Briefing: Bills and how they become law (PDF)
The Bill aims to make provision in relation to policing and justice in Northern Ireland; and to amend section 86 of the Northern Ireland Act 1999.
First reading is a formality and takes place without debate - the title of the Bill is read out.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - takes place on 9 March. A list of expected speakers, updated regularly, can be found on the Lords Government Whips Office website.