Guides

A Bill may be introduced to the Commons for the first time or it may arrive from the Lords having completed its passage through the Upper House. The introduction (also known as the presentation or bringing in) of a Bill takes the form of its formal First Reading. The introduction of Bills always takes place...Read More

A number of factors affect the speed with which any proposal will achieve a common position. The urgency of the proposal The controversy the proposal generates and the support or opposition of member states The extent to which the commission has anticipated objections to the proposal and can offer reassurances The complexity of the provisions...Read More

The introduction (also known as the presentation or bringing in) of a Bill takes the form of its formal First Reading. There is no debate at this stage. In most cases, the Clerk at the Table on the floor of the Chamber reads out the name of the Bill, which is its First Reading.Read More