Fixed-term Parliaments Bill
14 July 2011 (updated on 14 July 2011)
The House of Commons considered amendments made by the House of Lords to the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill on Wednesday 13 July
Summary of the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill
The Bill fixes the date of the next General Election at 7 May 2015, and provides for five-year fixed terms. It includes provisions to allow the Prime Minister to alter the date by up to two months by Order.
Watch and read MPs debate Lords Amendments to the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard.
- Parliament TV: Consideration of Lords Amendments to Fixed-term Parliaments Bill
- Commons Hansard: Consideration of Lords Amendments to Fixed-term Parliaments Bill
Lords Amendments
When a Bill has passed through third reading in both Houses it is returned to the first House (where it started) for the second House's amendments (proposals for change) to be considered.
Both Houses must agree on the exact wording of the Bill. There is no set time period between the third reading of a Bill and consideration of any Commons or Lords amendments.
'Ping Pong'
If the Commons makes amendments to the Bill, the Lords must consider them and either agree or disagree to the amendments or make alternative proposals.
If the Lords disagrees with any Commons amendments, or makes alternative proposals, then the Bill is sent back to the Commons.
A Bill may go back and forth between each House (‘Ping Pong’) until both Houses reach agreement.
What happens after consideration of amendments?
Once the Commons and Lords agree on the final version of the Bill, it can receive Royal Assent and become an Act of Parliament (the proposals of the Bill now become law).
Lords Amendments to the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill and explanatory notes have been published.
Lords Amendments to the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill
Lords Amendments to the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill and explanatory notes have been published.
- Lords Amendments to the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill
- Explanatory Notes to the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill
Lords Amendments 1-9 were considered by MPs.
Lords Amendment 1 was disagreed to on a division (that this House disgrees with the Lords: Ayes 312, Noes 243).
Lords Amendment 2 was disagreed to without a vote.
Lords Amendments 3 to 8 were agreed to.
Lords Amendment 9 was disagreed to.
Committee of Reason
The Commons appointed a Committee of Reason to draw up reasons to be assigned to the Lords as to why the Commons disagreed to their Amendments 1,2 and 9.
Commons disagree to the above Lords Amendments because:
...the Commons do not consider it appropriate that the continuing operation of the provisions of the Bill should be dependent upon periodic resolutions of each House of Parliament.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation on the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill. Also find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.