Most debates in Government time and on Opposition Days are on a substantive motion, while private members’ business tends to be on motions for the adjournment. The Government has been known to use a motion for the adjournment to avoid a vote.Read More
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...Read More
Division is the name given to a vote by MPs in the House of Commons. After the Division Bell starts ringing, MPs have eight minutes to arrive in one of the two lobbies that run alongside the Commons Chamber, before the entrances to these two division lobbies are locked.Read More
Debates in the Scottish parliament are on a motion tabled by a minister or other MSP. In most debates, most parties will table at least one amendment to the motion to reflect their views. Debates allow the parliament to deliberate on pertinent issues that affect Scotland or Scottish people. A spokesperson is called from each...Read More
Each Secretary of State, leading a team of Ministers, has responsibility for a Government Department, the responsibilities of which are determined by the Prime Minister. Departments headed by Ministers are known as ‘Ministerial Departments,’ differentiating them from Non-ministerial Departments such as Ordnance Survey or the Inland Revenue.Read More
Debates in the Welsh Assembly are on a motion tabled either by a Minister or by a back-bench AM. In most debates, most parties will table at least one amendment to the motion to reflect their views. Debates allow the Assembly to deliberate on pertinent issues that affect Wales or Welsh people. A spokesperson from...Read More
The majority of proposals are nodded through in the ways outlined above, or agreement can be reached at the council level without the need for matters to go to a vote. However, if agreement cannot be reached, the treaties provide for disagreements to be resolved by votes of the ministers present. There are three procedures...Read More
Debates in the House of Lords take place on a motion to call attention to an issue. They can also take place on an 'unstarred question', for which the procedure is broadly similar.Read More
People with physical and mental disabilities are sometimes significantly hampered in fully participating in all aspects of society because of social and physical barriers to the full enjoyment of their rights.Read More