MPs debate Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill
2 February 2015 (updated on 2 February 2015)
MPs debated the second reading of the Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill, in the House of Commons on Monday 2 February 2015.
The debate was opened by Defence Minister, Anna Soubry. Shadow Minister for Defence, Kevan Jones, 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 of the Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill
- Read Commons Hansard: Second reading of the Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance Bill)
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Armed forces
Related information
Summary of the Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill
The Bill would improve and strengthen the Service Complaints system by transforming the existing Service Complaints Commissioner into a new Service Complaints Ombudsman. It also contains provisions relating to financial assistance for the armed forces community.
Progress of the Bill
The Bill completed its House of Lords stages on 20 October 2014 and was presented to the House of Commons on 21 October 2014.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill and find out how a bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
- Follow Bills before Parliament: Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) 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.
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, 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.
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.