Second reading of Armed Forces Bill

Armed Forces Bill

The Bill passed without a vote and will now be considered by a Select Committee. Watch and read the views expressed by MPs who took part in the debate.

• Watch the debate: Armed Forces Bill, second reading
• Commons Hansard: Armed Forces Bill, second reading

Why is an Armed Forces Bill required?

An Armed Forces Bill is required every five years. The Bill provides the legal basis for the Armed Forces and the system of military law in the UK. The last Armed Forces Act received Royal Assent in November 2006 and therefore a new Bill is required before the end of the 2010-2011 Parliamentary Session.

Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill

The second reading of the Bill provided an opportunity for MPs to discuss the general principals of the bill. The Armed Forces Bill will now be considered by a Select Committee rather than a Public Bill Committee. The Committee will consist of 14 MPs and have the ability to take evidence from witnesses and send for papers.

Find a summary of the main points of the bill and keep up to date with all the proceedings on the Armed Forces Bill.

• Bills before Parliament: Armed Forces Bill
• About Parliament: Passage of a Bill

House of Commons Library analysis

The House of Commons Library regularly produce briefing notes which inform MPs about key issues. The Library have produced a Research Paper on the Armed Forces Bill.

• Library Research Paper: Armed Forces Bill