Second reading of European Union Bill [HL]
4 September 2012 (updated on 4 September 2012)
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, William Hague, introduced the second reading of the European Union (Approval of Treaty Amendment Decision) Bill [HL] in the House of Commons on Monday 3 September 2012
The Bill passed without a division and will now be considered in Committee of the whole House. Shadow Foreign Secretary, Douglas Alexander responded on behalf of the Opposition.
Watch and read the second reading debate and the views expressed by MPs on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard.
- Parliament TV: Second reading of European Union (Approval of Treaty Amendment Decision) Bill [HL]
- Commons Hansard: Second reading of European Union (Approval of Treaty Amendment Decision) Bill [HL]
Summary of the Bill
A Bill to make provision for the purposes of section 3 of the European Union Act 2011 in relation to the European Council decision of 25 March 2011 amending Article 136 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union with regard to a stability mechanism for Member States whose currency is the euro.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation on the European Union (Approval of Treaty Amendment Decision) Bill [HL] and find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament
- Bills before Parliament 2010-12: European Union (Approval of Treaty Amendment Decision) Bill [HL]
- About Parliament: Passage of a Bill
NB: [HL] denotes that the Bill was introduced into the House of Lords before being considered by the House of Commons.
House of Commons Library analysis
The House of Commons Library produce briefing papers to inform MPs of key issues. The Library published a briefing paper for second reading.
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. Each clause (part) and any amendments (proposals for change) to the Bill may be debated.