MPs debate the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill
2 December 2014
MPs debated the second reading of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill in the House of Commons on Tuesday 2 December 2014.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department, Mrs Theresa May, opened the debate. The Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, responded on behalf of the Opposition.
The Bill passed second reading without division and will now be considered in a Committee of the whole House.
- Watch Parliament TV: Second reading debate of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill
- Read Commons Hansard: Second reading debate of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Terrorism
Further information
Summary of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill
The Bill seeks to make provision in relation to terrorism; to make provision about retention of communications data, about information, authority to carry and security in relation to air, sea and rail transport and about reviews by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission against refusals to issue certificates of naturalisation; and for connected purposes.
The text of the Bill, together with related documents, are available on the Parliament website.
- Bills before Parliament: Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill
- GOV.UK: Home Secretary Theresa May speech on counter-terrorism (external site)
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 the following briefing paper on the Bill.
Progress of the Bill
This Government Bill was announced on 24 November 2014. It was presented to Parliament on 26 November 2014. This is known as the first reading and there was no debate on the Bill at this stage.
The Bill is being debated at second reading on 2 December 2014. The House agreed the following motion relating to the tabling of amendments etc on the Bill on Wednesday 26 November,
"That, in respect of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill, notices of Amendments, new Clauses and new Schedules to be moved in Committee may be accepted by the Clerks at the Table before the Bill has been read a second time."
The Bill is expected to be considered by a Committee of the Whole House on 9 December, followed by further sittings on 15 and 16 December 2014.
Related information
Passage of a Bill
Find out how a bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
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 Bill passes second reading, and the programme motion is agreed, the Bill will progress to a Committee of the whole House for three days debate on 9, 15 and 16 December 2014.
The programme motion would also schedule the report and third reading stages to take place over two days.
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 the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.