Trade Union Bill: Commons second reading
11 September 2015 (updated on 14 September 2015)
MPs debated the second reading of the Trade Union Bill in the House of Commons on Monday 14 September 2015.
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid, opened the debate. Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Angela Eagle, responded on behalf of the Opposition.
MPs voted for the Bill to pass Second Reading stage (Division No. 70: Ayes 317 votes, Noes 284 votes). The Bill will now be considered by a Public Bill Committee.
- Watch Parliament TV: Second reading debate of the Trade Union Bill
- Read Commons Hansard: Second reading debate of the Trade Union Bill
Related information
Summary of the Trade Union Bill
A Bill to make provision about industrial action, trade unions, employers' associations and the functions of the Certification Officer.
Progress of the Bill
The Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 15 July 2015. This is known as the first reading and there was no debate on the Bill at this stage.
The Bill had its second reading debate on Monday 14 September 2015.
A programme motion following second reading was agreed to. The Bill will be considered by a Public Bill Committee on dates yet to be announced.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Trade Union Bill and find out how a bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
Related information
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 Bill passes second reading, and the programme motion is agreed, the Bill will progress to a Public Bill Committee.
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.
This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.