MPs debate second reading of the Deregulation Bill

The Minister for Government Policy, Oliver Letwin, opened the debate. Shadow Minister, Chi Onwurah responded on behalf of the Opposition.

The Bill passed without a division and will now be considered by a Public Bill Committee.

• Watch Parliament TV: Second reading debate of the Deregulation Bill
• Read Commons Hansard: Second reading debate of the Deregulation Bill
• Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Regulation

Further information

Summary of the Deregulation Bill

The Bill proposes a range of measures in line with the Government’s aim to reduce burdens on businesses and public authorities. Its scope includes health and safety, employment law, company and insolvency law, the use of land, housing, transport, communications, the environment, Child Trust Funds, entertainment, criminal justice and economic growth.

The Bill involves input from ten ministerial departments, coordinated by the Cabinet Office. The Government has indicated that it intends for the Bill to be carried over to the next session of Parliament. 

Progress of the Bill

This Government Bill was presented to Parliament on 23 January 2014. This is known as the first reading and there was no debate on the Bill at this stage.

Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Deregulation Bill and find out how a bill becomes an Act of Parliament.

• Follow Bills before Parliament: Deregulation Bill
• About Parliament: Passage of a Bill

House of Commons Library analysis

The House of Commons Library produces briefing papers to inform MPs and their staff 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.

• Read Library briefing paper: Deregulation Bill

Further reading

The following documents are relevant to the second reading debate:

• Report: Joint Committee on the Draft Deregulation Bill

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.

Reasoned Amendment: 3 February 2014

A reasoned amendment was tabled to the motion for second reading of the Deregulation Bill. A reasoned amendment is placed on the Order of Business in the form of a motion. If selected by the Chair, and if then agreed by the House, the Bill cannot progress any further.

The reasoned amendment was withdrawn and the Bill was read a second time.

• Read the Motion in the Order Paper: Main Business item number 1 (Standing Order No. 9(3))
• Glossary: Reasoned amendments

What happens after second reading?

If the motion at second reading is agreed to, the Bill will go to a Public Bill Committee for consideration.

The programme motion would also schedule the report and third reading stages to take place over one day. If the carry over motion is agreed the Bill will be resumed in the next session of Parliament if not previously concluded in this session.

Watching proceedings from the public gallery

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

• How to attend a debate in the Chamber or in Westminster Hall

This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.