Deferred divisions

If a division is called later than 10pm then it is deferred. This means that instead of the vote taking place immediately, MPs will be able to vote during a set period at a later date. This is normally on the following Wednesday afternoon. MPs vote by appearing in person at a specified place and informing a clerk of their name and the way they wish to vote. The result is announced to the House at around 6pm on a Wednesday.

Deferred divisions are a relatively new procedure in the House and are still strongly opposed by some MPs, who object to the separation of the vote from the debate. Given subsequent changes to sitting hours, however, few votes are now called after 10pm and deferred divisions are quite rare.