Monday 5^th Nov - First Reading: A formal announcement by the Secretary of State of the intention to bring the Bill before the House. There was no discussion, debate, or a vote.

Monday, 19^th Nov: 2nd Reading: Major discussions by the House about the wider implications of the Bill. 2nd Reading normally comes at least two weeks since the Bill was introduced when the Secretary Of State made a statement in the Commons about the proposed Bill.

Wednesday, 21^st Nov – Committee stage. Line-by-line scrutiny of the details of the Bill by a Standing Committee composed of Members representing party strength in the House. Amendments/ new clauses may be made to the Bill;

Monday, 26^th Nov – Report Stage: The Bill will is returned to the House of Commons for progress report on the work of the Committee. All members may speak, add further changes and vote.

Monday 26^th Nov – Third Reading; A formal and very brief overview of the Bill and its functions. It will take place immediately and directly after the Report Stage;

Tuesday, 4^th Dec: The Bill is likely to be sent to the House of Lord to go through the process indicated above (First Reading, Second Reading, Committee State and Report Stage). This is expected to be complete by Friday 30^th Nov.

Royal Assent: A formal approval by the Queen before a Bill becomes an Act Parliament (Law). It is expected that this will be achieved before Thursday, 20^th when the House goes on Christmas recess. No Bill has been refused Royal Assent since 1707.

What the Bill will mean when it becomes Law:

1. The arrest and detention without trial of suspected foreign terrorists;

2. The retention of communication data (e-mail and telephone) by service providers to facilitate the detection of crime;

3. The collection of information by border agencies (police, immigration customs) to facilitate the collection of intelligence or terrorists and other criminals;

4. The improvement of aviation security through the through powers to detain an aircraft and passengers if there is reason to believe that its security has been compromised;

5. The extension of the powers of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary (UKAEAC) to protect nuclear material and civil nuclear sites against the threat of terrorist attack;

6. The identification, reporting of suspicious financial transactions, and cutting off terrorist funding;

7. The protection of minorities against acts of racial and religious hatred.