The Process of a debate
- The speaker calls the MP whose motion is next
- The MP says “I beg to move”, “the motion in my name on the order paper”
- The speaker puts the question to the house “The question to the house is as on the order paper” opening the debate
- Speeches are then as follows:
The minister
The shadow minister
A government backbencher
Third largest party spokesman - Debates “Wind-Up” with closing statements from the minister and shadow minister.
- The speaker then puts the question to the house to be voted on.
How to speak as an MP
- Email the speakers office indicating you would like to speak
- Be there for the opening speech
- Bob after each speech
- Be there for 2 speakers after you and the closing statements
Interventions
These are short interjections while another MP is speaking.
They must always relate to what the current MP is saying.
An MP can reject your request to intervene.
You cannot intervene in:
1. A 10 minute rule bill.
2. A maiden speech
3. A ministerial statement
4. A personal statement
Point of order
There are 2 types:
- Immediate: These are made during the debate and can be made by standing and shouting to the speaker “Point of order, Mr Speaker”.
- Substantial: It is good etiquette to give the speakers officer prior notice for this. These will be taken after question time or oral statements.
All points of order must be procedural.
Time limits
If the debate is pushed for time, the speaker may limit how long MP’s can give a speech for.
The time limit will be displayed on the annunciator.
You get 1 extra minute for the first two interventions you allow, and nothing thereafter.
Speaking twice
You can only speak once per debate unless:
- You receive leave of the house (only 1 MP is required to block this)
- You were the MP who called the motion and you are giving a closing reply to all other statements.
Sub Judice
This is a rule that prevents MPs from speaking about live court cases.
This is to keep the legislature and the judiciary separate.
The voting process
- The speaker will put the question to the house.
- If it is a split division, all MPs must clear the lobby.
- The ayes pass through the lobby on the right, the noes pass through the lobby on the left.
- MPs record their vote by scanning their pass on a reader, and passing through the end of the corridor where they will be counted by a teller.
- MPs have 8 minutes to vote
Pairing
This is where two MPs of opposing parities will be paired with another.
If one was to vote noe, and the other aye. A deal may be had whereby neither votes, cancelling each other out.
Vote follows voice
If you shouted a certain way when the speaker calls the division in the chamber, you must then physically vote that way.
Proxy voting
Proxy voting can take place in exceptional circumstances.
Email: pbhoc@parliament.uk
Deferred division
If the chamber runs out of time on a given day, the vote can be deferred to the following Wednesday.
The vote will take place via paper ballot.
