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  Fixed-term Parliaments Bill - Second Reading
  
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  The majority of MPs voted for the Fixed Term Parliaments Bill[1] to be read a second time; ie. for it to continue its progress to becoming law. 
  
  The Bill, as it stood at the time of this vote, sets the next general election date as the 7th of May 2015.  Thereafter general elections would be held every five years. There are provisions for an earlier election in the event of no government being able to maintain the confidence of the House of Commons or if a two thirds majority (a "supermajority")  of MPs agree to an election. 
  
  The Prime Minister is given power to vary the precise date of the election by up to two months. 
  
  
  *  [1] [http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/fixedtermparliaments.html The Fixed Term Parliaments Bill page on the Parliament.uk website]
  
  
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