Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill

What the bill does

A Bill to make provision for an inquiry into the end use of arms sold to foreign states to determine whether they have been used in violation of international law; to immediately suspend the sale of arms to foreign states where it cannot be demonstrated that arms sold will not be used in violation of international law; and for connected purposes.

Progress through Parliament

What 2nd reading means, and what happens next

Second reading is the first full debate on the principle of the bill. The House votes on whether it should proceed at all.

If it passes, the bill goes to committee stage, where it is examined line by line and amendments are considered.

Read the full guide to this stage: What happens at second reading of a bill

Questions about the Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill

What stage is the Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill at?

The Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill is currently at 2nd reading in the UK Parliament.

Has the Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill become law?

Not yet. A bill becomes law only when it has passed both Houses and received Royal Assent. The Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill is currently at 2nd reading.

What happens next to the Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill?

If it passes, the bill goes to committee stage, where it is examined line by line and amendments are considered.

Who sponsored the Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill?

The Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill was sponsored by Zarah Sultana.

When was the Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill introduced?

It was introduced to Parliament on 21 January 2025, at first reading.

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