Second reading of Antarctic Bill and Presumption of Death Bill
5 November 2012 (updated on 5 November 2012)
The second reading of the Antarctic Bill and the Presumption of Death Bill were held on Friday 2 November. Each Bill will now be considered by a Public Bill Committee
Antarctic Bill
A Bill to make provision consequential on Annex VI to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty; to amend the Antarctic Act 1994.
The Antarctic Bill passed without a division and will now be considered by a Public Bill Committee. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mark Simmonds, responded on behalf of the Government.
Watch and read the second reading debate and the views expressed by MPs on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard. Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation on the Antarctic Bill and find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
- Parliament TV: Second reading of Antarctic Bill
- Commons Hansard: Second reading of Antarctic Bill
- Bills before Parliament 2012-13: Anatarctic Bill
- About Parliament: Passage of a Bill
Presumption of Death Bill
A Bill to make provision in relation to the presumed death of missing persons. The passed with without a division and will now be considered by a Public Bill Committee. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Helen Grant, responded on behalf of the Government.
Watch and read the second reading debate and the views expressed by MPs on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard. Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation on the Presumption of Death Bill and find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
- Parliament TV: Second reading of Presumption of Death Bill
- Commons Hansard: Second reading of Presumption of Death Bill
- Bills before Parliament 2012-13: Presumption of Death Bill
- About Parliament: Passage of a Bill
Second reading
Second reading is the first opportunity for MPs to debate the main principles of the Bill. It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading.
What happens at second reading?
The Government minister, spokesperson or MP responsible for the Bill opens the second reading debate. The official Opposition spokesperson responds with their views on the Bill.
The debate continues with other Opposition parties and backbench MPs giving their opinions. At the end of the debate, the Commons decides whether the Bill should be given its second reading by voting, meaning it can proceed to the next stage.
What happens after second reading?
The Bill proceeds to committee stage and will be considered in a Public Bill Committee or Committee of the whole House (in the Commons Chamber). Each clause (part) and any amendments (proposals for change) to the Bill may be debated.