How a change in law is passed. (White paper to law timeline)

Albus_Scope

Regarding the process, the green paper will be consulted for 12 weeks.

Then it'll go to the white paper, which is usually the statement of policy and proposals, (sometimes in draft form,) which will then get more feedback from outside sources and debated in parliament. So again, not quick!

After that will be the "First reading" which is a formal introduction to parliament and nothing is really done. The bill is then printed and given a number in the public bill series. So it's mostly paperwork and formalising.

Then the "Second Reading" this is the first time a bill can be defeated, but it's not often that happens tbh. The date for the Second Reading is set by the offices of the Chief Whip and the Leader of the House. This usually lasts at least two weekends to be allowed between publication of the Bill and Second Reading, except in emergency situations. This reading is to debate the broader policies in the bill, not the fine print and a chance for the opposition to object or ask for reasoned amendments and a chance to vote against said bill.

After that, it's onto the Committee stage. This is where they go through the bill with a fine toothed comb. This is usually carried out by a specially-appointed Public Bill Committee of around 17 MPs, representative of party strength in the Commons. At least one Minister from the Government department in charge of the Bill will be on the Committee, along with a front-bench spokesman from each of the opposition parties represented. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks, but for something this complex, I'd say a month perhaps?

Onto the Report stage, where things can be reversed or amended after the committee stage.

Then it's the Third Reading. To discuss changes etc and to vote on it again.

Now it's off to The House of Lords. Which is known as the "ping pong" stage, as the bill will be passed back and forth between the commons and the HoL with amendments etc.

THEN when OK'd by both houses, it's onto Royal assent, where it will become law.

The final stage is of course the roll out of the new laws.

So over all, this can take a very long time to even get to the law stage maybe a year or more and a lot can happen in that time. So just stay strong and keep the faith! 😁