The coalition government has launched the first stage of plans to give members of the public the right to comment on every aspect of new legislation.
From today, you can comment on the government's Protection of Freedoms Bill by visiting the public reading stage of the bill (new window).
Published last week, reforms in the bill will put an end to unwarranted local authority snooping and unnecessary scrutiny of individuals.
This new pilot public reading stage means your comments will be factored into MP's considerations of the legislation as part of its parliamentary passage.
Improved level of debate
The Prime Minister said he hopes this will open up the parliamentary process to the widest possible audience. 'Right now a tiny percentage of the population write legislation that will apply to one hundred percent of the population,' he said.
'This makes our laws poorer because it shuts out countless people across the country whose expertise could help.
'And it makes our politics poorer because it increases the sense that Parliament is somehow separate from the people rather than subservient to them.
'Our new public reading stage will improve the level of debate and scrutiny of bills by giving everyone the opportunity to go online and offer their views on any new legislation. That means better laws - and more trust in our politics.'
Public reading for all bills
This project represents the first step towards meeting the coalition government's commitment to introduce a public reading stage for all bills, allowing the government to test the technology and ensure the system works well.
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/parliament-opened-up
Also refer http://www.dpm.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/news/big-society-opening-parliament-... and http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/topstorynews/2011/02/big-society-opening...
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Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Justine Greening, introduced the second reading of the Budget Responsibility and National Audit Bill on Monday 14 February.
The Bill was passed without a vote and will now be considered by a Public Bill Committee. This Committee will seek views from the public.
Watch and read the views expressed by MPs who took part in the debate.
Have your say
This Bill has now been sent to a Public Bill Committee for scrutiny and there is a call for written evidence.
Do you have relevant expertise and experience or a special interest in the Budget Responsibility and National Audit Bill?
If so, you can submit your views in writing to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee which is going to consider this Bill.
Guidance for submitting written evidence
Deadline for submissions
The Committee is able to receive written evidence from Tuesday 15 February, when the Bill passes the Second Reading Stage; and will stop receiving written evidence at the end of the Committee stage on Tuesday 8 March.
The sooner you send in your submission, the more time the Committee will have to take it into consideration. The Public Bill Committee is expected to meet for the first time on Tuesday 1 March.
Summary of this Bill
The Bill establishes the Office for Budget Responsibility on a statutory basis, following its creation after the 2010 General Election. It requires the Treasury to publish a Charter for Budget Responsibility setting out its approach to fiscal policy.
The Bill also confirms a new corporate governance structure for the National Audit Office, under a new paid post of Chair, who would develop a joint strategy with the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings on the Education Bill and find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
Second reading
Second reading is the first opportunity for MPs to debate the main principles of the Bill. It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading.
What happens at second reading?
The Government minister, spokesperson or MP responsible for the Bill opens the second reading debate. The official Opposition spokesperson responds with their views on the Bill. The debate continues with other Opposition parties and backbench MPs giving their opinions.
At the end of the debate, the Commons decides whether the Bill should be given its second reading by voting, meaning it can proceed to the next stage.
What happens after second reading?
The Bill proceeds to committee stage and will be considered in a Public Bill Committee. Each clause (part) and any amendments (proposals for change) to the Bill may be debated.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2011/february/budget-responsibilt...