MPs debate remaining stages of the Defence Reform Bill
20 November 2013
MPs debated the report stage and third reading of the Defence Reform Bill in the House of Commons on Wednesday 20 November 2013.
Mr Julian Brazier opened the debate on report stage. Secretary of State for Defence, Mr Philip Hammond, responded on behalf of the Government.
New clause 1: annual report by scrutiny group of reserve forces and cadets associations, tabled by Mr Julian Brazier, was withdrawn.
New clause 3: report on future reserves 2020, tabled by Mr John Baron, was negatived on division (Ayes 252 votes, Noes 306 votes, Division 130).
New clause 6: leave entitlement for reserve forces, tabled by Thomas Docherty, was negatived on division (Ayes 235 votes, Noes 315 votes, Division 131).
Amendment 1: exemptions relating to premises used by a contractor, tabled by the Government, was agreed on question without a vote.
The Bill passed third reading on question, without a vote.
- Watch Parliament TV: Remaining stages of the Defence Reform Bill
- Read Commons Hansard: Remaining stages of the Defence Reform Bill
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Defence
- Read Defence Select Committee material on Future Army 2020 Inquiry
Related Information
Summary of the Defence Reform Bill
To make provision in connection with any arrangements that may be made by the Secretary of State with respect to the provision to the Secretary of State of defence procurement services; to make provision relating to defence procurement contracts awarded, or amended, otherwise than as the result of a competitive process; to make provision in relation to the reserve forces of the Crown; and for connected purposes.
Progress of the Defence Reform Bill
The Bill was introduced to the Commons on 3 July 2013 and had its second reading on 16 July 2013. The bill was considered in Committee from 3 September to 22 October 2013.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendments papers, on the Defence Reform 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 the second reading.
What is the report stage of a bill?
The report stage gives MPs an opportunity, on the floor of the House, to consider any further amendments (proposals for change) to a bill which has been examined in a public bill committee or on the floor of the House. There is no set time period between the end of committee stage and the start of the report stage.
What happens at report stage?
All MPs may speak and vote. For lengthy or complex bills, the debates may be spread over several days. All MPs can suggest amendments to the bill or new clauses (parts) that they think should be added.
What happens after report stage?
Report stage is usually followed immediately by debate on the bill's third reading.
What happens at third reading?
Debate on the bill is usually short, and limited to what is actually in the bill, rather than, as at second reading, what might have been included.
Amendments (proposals for change) cannot be made to a bill at a third reading in the Commons. At the end of the debate, the House decides whether to approve the third reading of the bill.
What happens after third reading?
If the bill started in the Commons it goes to the House of Lords for its first reading.
If the bill started in the Lords it returns to the House of Lords for consideration of any amendments the Commons has made.
Watching proceedings from the public gallery
UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public gallery.
This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.