Energy Bill: Commons Second Reading
18 January 2016 (updated on 18 January 2016)
MPs debated the Second Reading of the Energy Bill in the House of Commons on Monday 18 January 2016.
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Amber Rudd, opened the debate. Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Lisa Nandy, 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 Energy Bill
- Read Commons Hansard: Second Reading debate of the Energy Bill
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Energy
Related information
Summary of the Energy Bill
A Bill to make provision about the Oil and Gas Authority and its functions; to make provision about fees in respect of activities relating to oil, gas, carbon dioxide and pipelines; to make provision about wind power; and for connected purposes.
Progress of the Bill
This Bill is a public bill presented to Parliament by the Government. It was introduced to the House of Lords on 9 July 2015. It completed its Lords stages on 4 November 2015 and was introduced to the Commons with first reading on 5 November 2015.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Energy 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 about the background and changes to the Bill in the House of Lords.
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 9 February 2016. 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.