If we are going to have a MHOL and one which can propose Lords bills, can there be debate on them before they go to vote? Currently bills are introduced and only amendments can be submitted initially. If no amendments are submitted, then the bill moves on to the final vote. If amendments are submitted, only then there is a reading stage.

It seems odd to me that LBs can go to a pass/fail stage of the legislative process without having any guaranteed debate stage at all. I understand that the reforms were done to make things more streamlined and move debate to the Commons but surely LBs can be an exception. All Commons bills will have had at least one chance to be debated on r/MHOC before reaching the Lords after all and it only seems fair to have debate first. To me it is important since it creates a chance for people to set out a position and ask questions about a proposal before voting on it.

I would suggest having a second reading/debate stage for all LBs to start with before moving on to other stages. If need be, this could be merged with amendment submission to mirror the Commons process and keep things more streamlined.