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Second reading Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill

24 June 2013

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MPs debated the second reading of the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill in the House of Commons on Monday 24 June 2013

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, opened the debate. Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Vernon Coaker, responded on behalf of the Opposition.

The Bill passed without a division. Clauses 1 to 9 of the Bill will be committed to a Committee of the whole House. The remainder of the Bill will be committed to a Public Bill Committee for consideration

Summary of the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill

To make provision about donations, loans and related transactions for political purposes in connection with Northern Ireland; to amend the Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975 and the Northern Ireland Act 1998; to make provision about the registration of electors and the administration of elections in Northern Ireland; and to make miscellaneous amendments in the law relating to Northern Ireland.

Progress of the Bill

The Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 9 May 2013.

Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and find out how a bill becomes an Act of Parliament.

House of Commons Library analysis

The House of Commons Library produces briefing papers to inform MPs of key issues. The papers contain factual information and a range of opinions on each subject, and aim to be politically impartial. The Library has published a briefing paper for second reading.

What happens at second reading?

At second reading the House debates the whole principle of the bill. It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading.

The Member in charge or the Minister moves the motion ‘that the bill be now read a second time’. MPs then debate the bill.

At the end of the debate the Speaker determines whether there are any objections to the motion being debated and asks for the Ayes and Noes.

Members voice their opinion, and if no objections are made, the bill passes second reading without a vote. If the Speaker believes Members have voiced disagreement a division is called and a vote taken.

What happens after second reading?

If the motion at second reading is agreed to, Clauses 1 to 9 of the Bill would be committed to a Committee of the whole House. The remainder of the Bill would be committed to a Public Bill Committee for consideration.

Watching proceedings from the public gallery

UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public gallery.