![]() There are various types of motions, including: In the House of Commons, the Speaker plays a significant role in deciding who to call to speak in debates. Once moved, the debate will be opened out to other MPs or peers. Motions are usually moved by the MP or Peer who tabled them. This will only occur if parliamentary time has been found to consider the motion. Moving a motion means introducing it for debate. What does it mean to move a motion (or an amendment to a motion)? ![]() MPs may show their support for an amendment by putting their name to it, known as ‘becoming a signatory’.Īn MP or Peer can also withdraw their motion before it is moved. There has been an increase in both Emergency Debates and Urgent Questions in recent years, reflecting the emphasis that the current Speaker has placed on them as a way of giving backbench MPs a stronger voice in parliament, and the political circumstances of Brexit. If permission is granted, the appropriate government minister is expected to attend parliament to answer it. Whether an Urgent Question is granted depends on whether, in the Speaker’s view, it is ‘of an urgent character and relates either to matters of public importance or to the arrangements of business’. Urgent Questions allow MPs to put questions to Ministers at short notice. Emergency Debates can be up to three hours long, although the Speaker may impose a shorter timeframe. While Emergency Debates do not bind the government, they can impose significant political pressure. Motions in neutral terms are not usually subject to amendment. ![]() Emergency Debates are usually held on motions in neutral terms – which state that parliament has considered an issue, but do not ask MPs to take a position. If the Speaker does so, and the House agrees, the debate will usually be scheduled for the following sitting day – although can take place sooner. The Speaker then decides whether to put the application to the House for approval. ![]() If the Speaker believes that the application has merit, they allow the MP proposing the debate three minutes to pitch the topic to the House. Emergency Debates and Urgent Questions are most commonly used to facilitate this.Įmergency Debates (sometimes referred to as ‘Standing Order 24 debates’, after the parliamentary rule that governs their use), provide a means for MPs to propose a debate at short notice on a ‘specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration’. Motions can also provide an opportunity for MPs to express their views and question the government on issues requiring urgent attention. The opposition parties also move motions as part of Opposition Day debates, while backbenchers may move amendments if they are selected as part of a Backbench Business Committee debate. Most motions that are ‘moved’ are tabled by the government. In the Commons, any MP may table a motion, but whether it will be debated will depend on their position. Whether a motion is debated depends on parliamentary time being found for it. However, this does not necessarily mean it will be debated. Once tabled, the motion will appear on the Order Paper (the day-by-day parliamentary timetable). Tabling a motion means formally submitting it to be considered by parliament. They help to structure parliamentary debate. Motions are statements that outline a topic for parliament to discuss or a question for it to decide.
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