Enterprise Bill: Commons second reading
2 February 2016 (updated on 2 February 2016)
MPs debated the second reading of the Enterprise Bill in the House of Commons on Tuesday 2 February 2016.
The 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.
The Bill passed Second Reading on division (Division 181, Ayes 300 votes, Noes 62 votes). The Bill will now be considered by a Public Bill Committee.
- Watch Parliament TV: Second reading debate of the Enterprise Bill
- Read Commons Hansard: Second reading debate of the Enterprise Bill
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Business, industry and consumers
Related information
Summary of the Enterprise Bill
A Bill to make provision relating to the promotion of enterprise and economic growth; and provision restricting exit payments in relation to public sector employment.
Progress of the Bill
The Bill was introduced to the House of Lords on 16 September 2015. It completed its Lords stages on 15 December 2015 and was introduced to the Commons with first reading on 16 December 2016.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Enterprise 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 which will conclude by 25 February 2016.
The programme motion would also schedule the report, legislative grand committee 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.