Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Abstention
A decision not to vote for either side, or a broader description of not recording a vote.
Academy Trust
A charitable company responsible for running one or more academy schools in England.
Act of Parliament
Abbreviation: Act
A law that has completed the parliamentary process and received Royal Assent.
Acting Returning Officer
Abbreviation: ARO
The official who runs a UK parliamentary election in a constituency.
Adjournment Debate
A debate, usually on a specific issue, held without a vote on a substantive motion.
Advisory Committee on Business Appointments
Abbreviation: ACOBA
The former advisory committee that considered some applications under the Business Appointment Rules until its functions were transferred in 2025.
Affirmative Procedure
A process requiring Parliament to approve a piece of delegated legislation before it can take effect.
All-Party Parliamentary Group
Abbreviation: APPG
An informal cross-party group of MPs and peers with no official status within Parliament.
Allocation of Time Motion
A motion limiting the time available for debate on a bill or other business.
Amendment
A proposed change to the wording of a bill, motion, or other parliamentary text.
Amendment Paper
A parliamentary paper listing amendments tabled to a bill or motion.
Annually Managed Expenditure
Abbreviation: AME
Public spending that is demand-led or harder to control within fixed departmental limits.
Annunciator
The parliamentary system that displays live information about current business in the Commons and Lords.
Appropriation Act
An Act that authorises the use of public money for approved government spending.
Artificial Intelligence
Abbreviation: AI
Technology that can perform tasks normally associated with human intelligence, such as analysing information or generating responses.
Attorney General’s Office
Abbreviation: AGO
The government legal office that supports the Attorney General and Solicitor General.
Ayes
The votes cast in favour of a motion or question in a parliamentary division.
Backbench Business Committee
A Commons committee that gives backbench MPs opportunities to bring forward debates.
Backbench Business Debate
A debate on a subject chosen by backbench MPs rather than by the government.
Ballot Paper
The paper on which a voter marks their choice in an election.
Bank Holiday
A public holiday that may affect parliamentary sitting patterns and publication schedules.
Bank of England
Abbreviation: BoE
The UK’s central bank, responsible for monetary policy and financial stability.
Bill
A proposed law that must pass through Parliament before it can become an Act.
Bill Documents
The documents published alongside or during the passage of a bill.
Bill Stage
One of the formal steps a bill must pass through as it moves through Parliament.
Bill Stage Vote
A parliamentary vote taken as part of a bill’s progress through one of its formal stages.
Bills before Parliament
The official UK Parliament service for tracking bills currently or recently before Parliament.
Border Force
The Home Office command responsible for securing the UK border.
Boundary Commission
An independent body involved in reviewing parliamentary constituency boundaries.
Boundary Review
A review of parliamentary constituency boundaries.
Budget
A major statement setting out the government’s tax, spending and economic plans.
Business and Trade Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises the Department for Business and Trade.
Business Appointment Rules
Abbreviation: BARs
Rules applying when former ministers, civil servants and some Crown servants take up roles after leaving office.
Business Motion
A motion setting out how certain parliamentary business will be arranged or taken.
Business Papers
Parliamentary papers that set out the business scheduled or recorded for a House.
Business Questions
Questions to the Leader of the House about forthcoming Commons business.
Business Statement
A statement setting out forthcoming parliamentary business and scheduling.
Business Today
The part of the Commons Order Paper showing business scheduled for the current sitting day.
By-election
An election held to fill a seat that becomes vacant between general elections.
Cabinet Office
Abbreviation: CO
The government department that supports the Prime Minister, Cabinet and the effective running of government.
Call for Evidence
An invitation for written submissions to help inform a committee inquiry or review.
Candidate
A person standing for election to public office.
Care Quality Commission
Abbreviation: CQC
The independent regulator of health and adult social care services in England.
Carry-over Motion
A motion allowing a bill to continue into the next parliamentary session instead of falling.
Chamber
A formal debating space in Parliament, such as the House of Commons chamber or the House of Lords chamber.
Chancellor of the Exchequer
Abbreviation: Chancellor
The senior minister responsible for the Treasury and the UK’s economic and fiscal policy.
Charity Commission for England and Wales
Abbreviation: Charity Commission
The regulator and registrar of charities in England and Wales.
Chiltern Hundreds
A Crown office used as a formal device allowing an MP to leave the House of Commons.
Christmas Recess
A break in parliamentary sittings around Christmas and New Year.
Civil Aviation Authority
Abbreviation: CAA
The UK regulator for civil aviation.
Civil Service Commission
The independent body now providing Business Appointment Rules advice for some senior Crown servants.
Clause
A numbered provision within a bill that may become a section of an Act if the bill becomes law.
Clerk of the Crown
The official involved in issuing election writs for parliamentary elections.
Closure Motion
A motion asking the House to end debate and move to a decision.
Command Paper
Abbreviation: CP
A government paper formally presented to Parliament.
Commencement Order
A legal instrument that brings part or all of an Act into force.
Commencement Regulations
Regulations used to bring provisions of an Act into force.
Committal Motion
A motion deciding how or where a bill will be sent for detailed committee scrutiny.
Committee of Privileges
Abbreviation: Privileges Committee
A Commons committee that considers matters relating to parliamentary privilege referred to it by the House.
Committee of the whole House
A stage where the entire House considers a bill in committee form, rather than sending it to a smaller committee.
Committee on Standards
Abbreviation: Standards Committee
A Commons committee concerned with standards of conduct for MPs.
Committee on Standards in Public Life
Abbreviation: CSPL
The advisory body that promotes high ethical standards across public life.
Committee Report
A published report setting out a parliamentary committee’s findings and recommendations.
Committee Sitting
A meeting of a parliamentary committee.
Committee Stage
The stage where a bill is examined in detail and amendments can be considered line by line.
Commons Business Papers
The official daily papers showing House of Commons business, including the Order Paper and related documents.
Commons Journal
The official permanent record of decisions and proceedings in the House of Commons.
Commons Library
The House of Commons research service that publishes impartial briefings for MPs and the public.
Competition and Markets Authority
Abbreviation: CMA
The UK regulator responsible for competition and consumer protection enforcement.
Conference Recess
A break in parliamentary sittings around the party conference season.
Confidence Motion
A motion used to test whether the government still has the support of the House of Commons.
Consolidation Bill
A bill that brings together existing law on a subject into a more orderly single Act, usually without major policy change.
Constituency
A geographical area represented by an elected representative, such as an MP.
Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010
Abbreviation: CRAG
The Act that sets out, among other things, a statutory process for parliamentary scrutiny of treaties before ratification.
Consultancy
Advisory or professional work provided to another organisation, often for payment.
Consumer Prices Index
Abbreviation: CPI
A measure of inflation based on changes in consumer prices.
Contempt of Parliament
Conduct that may obstruct or impede either House, its Members or its officers in their parliamentary work.
Content
The term used in the House of Lords for a vote in favour of a question.
Copyright
A legal right that protects original creative works from being copied or used without permission.
Count
The process of counting ballot papers after polling closes.
Creative Industries
Sectors of the economy based on creative work, such as film, music, publishing, design and the arts.
Crown Prosecution Service
Abbreviation: CPS
The public body responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in England and Wales.
Decision on the Voices
A decision made when the House agrees or rejects a question without a recorded division.
Declaration
The formal announcement of an election result.
Declaration of Interests
A statement by an MP about a relevant interest when taking part in parliamentary proceedings or communications.
Deferred Division
A Commons division postponed to a later scheduled time rather than taken immediately after debate.
Delegated Legislation
Law made under powers granted by an Act, rather than made directly through a new Act itself.
Delegated Legislation Committee
A Commons committee that debates certain statutory instruments and other delegated legislation.
Delegated Power
A power given by Parliament allowing ministers or another body to make detailed legal rules or take related action later.
Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee
Abbreviation: DPRRC
A House of Lords committee that examines whether bills give ministers inappropriate delegated powers.
Delegated Powers Memorandum
A document explaining why a bill gives ministers or others powers to make delegated legislation.
Department for Business and Trade
Abbreviation: DBT
The UK Government department responsible for business, trade, investment and economic growth policy.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Abbreviation: DCMS
The UK Government department responsible for culture, media, sport, tourism and parts of the creative economy.
Department for Education
Abbreviation: DfE
The UK Government department responsible for education, children’s services and skills policy in England.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Abbreviation: DESNZ
The UK Government department responsible for energy policy, energy security and net zero policy.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Abbreviation: Defra
The UK Government department responsible for the environment, farming, food, rural affairs and animal welfare.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Abbreviation: DSIT
The UK Government department responsible for science, research, innovation, technology and digital policy.
Department for Transport
Abbreviation: DfT
The UK Government department responsible for transport policy in England and reserved transport matters across the UK.
Department for Work and Pensions
Abbreviation: DWP
The UK Government department responsible for welfare, pensions and employment support.
Department of Health and Social Care
Abbreviation: DHSC
The UK Government department responsible for health and adult social care policy in England.
Departmental Expenditure Limit
Abbreviation: DEL
A Treasury spending control covering planned departmental spending.
Departmental Questions
Commons oral questions addressed to ministers from a specific government department.
Deposit
A sum of money a parliamentary candidate must pay when standing for election.
Deposited Paper
A document placed in the Library of either House, often by a minister in response to a parliamentary question.
Devolution
The transfer of powers from the UK Parliament to institutions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Devolved Administration
A government in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland with powers transferred from Westminster.
Devolved Matter
A policy area where responsibility has been transferred to a devolved institution.
Dissolution of Parliament
The formal end of a Parliament before a general election.
Division
A formal vote in Parliament where members are counted for each side.
Division Lobby
One of the lobbies used by MPs to vote in a Commons division.
Division Number
An official reference number used to identify a recorded parliamentary division.
Donations and Other Support
Financial or material support received by an MP for activities as a Member of Parliament.
Draft Bill
A proposed bill published in draft form before being formally introduced in Parliament.
Draft Statutory Instrument
A proposed statutory instrument laid before Parliament before it is formally made.
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
Abbreviation: DVLA
The agency responsible for maintaining driver and vehicle records in Great Britain.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Abbreviation: DVSA
The agency responsible for driving tests, vehicle standards and roadworthiness services in Great Britain.
E-petition
An online petition submitted through the UK Government and Parliament petitions website.
Early Day Motion
Abbreviation: EDM
A formal motion tabled in the House of Commons, often used to draw attention to an issue or gather support from MPs.
Easter Recess
A break in parliamentary sittings around Easter.
Education Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises education, children’s services and skills policy in England.
Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment
Abbreviation: EHCNA
The assessment process used to decide whether a child or young person needs an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Education, Health and Care Plan
Abbreviation: EHCP
A legal plan setting out support for a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities.
Election Agent
The person legally responsible for managing a candidate’s election campaign finances and administration.
Electoral Commission
Abbreviation: Electoral Commission
The independent body overseeing elections and regulating political finance in the UK.
Electoral Register
The official list of people registered to vote in an area.
Electoral Registration Officer
Abbreviation: ERO
The official responsible for maintaining the electoral register in a local area.
Employment and Support Allowance
Abbreviation: ESA
A benefit for people who have limited capability for work because of illness or disability.
Enabling Power
A provision in an Act giving ministers or another body authority to make delegated legislation or take other legal action.
Environment Agency
Abbreviation: EA
The public body responsible for environmental regulation and protection in England.
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Abbreviation: EFRA Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises Defra and related environmental, farming and rural policy.
Environmental Audit Committee
Abbreviation: EAC
A Commons select committee that examines environmental protection and sustainable development across government.
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Abbreviation: EHRC
The equality and human rights regulator for Great Britain.
Erskine May
The authoritative reference work on UK parliamentary law, privileges, proceedings and usage.
Estimates Day
A day in the Commons set aside for debates linked to government spending estimates.
European Convention on Human Rights
Abbreviation: ECHR
An international human rights treaty setting out rights and freedoms protected across member states of the Council of Europe.
Evidence Session
A committee meeting where members question witnesses as part of parliamentary scrutiny.
Executive Office
Abbreviation: TEO
A Northern Ireland Executive department supporting the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
Explanatory Memorandum
A document explaining the purpose and effect of a statutory instrument or similar measure.
Explanatory Notes
Notes published with a bill to explain what its clauses mean and how it is intended to work.
Family Members Employed
A register category covering certain family members employed and paid through parliamentary expenses.
Family Members Engaged in Lobbying
A register category covering certain family members whose work involves lobbying.
February Recess
A break in parliamentary sittings that may occur in February.
Finance Bill
A bill used to give legal effect to tax changes announced by the government.
Financial Conduct Authority
Abbreviation: FCA
The regulator for financial services firms and financial markets in the UK.
First Past the Post
Abbreviation: FPTP
An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.
First Reading
The formal introduction of a bill in a House, normally without debate on its substance.
Fiscal Event
A major government announcement about tax, spending, borrowing or economic policy.
Fiscal Rules
Rules or targets used by government to guide tax, spending, borrowing and debt decisions.
Food Standards Agency
Abbreviation: FSA
The public body responsible for food safety and food standards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Abbreviation: FCDO
The UK Government department responsible for foreign affairs, diplomacy, development and overseas relations.
Forthcoming Business
Business expected to be considered by Parliament on future sitting days.
Framework Bill
A bill that sets up a broad legal structure while leaving detailed rules to later regulations or guidance.
Free Vote
A vote where party members are not instructed to vote in a particular way.
Further Education
Abbreviation: FE
Education and training after school age that is not usually part of higher education.
Future Business
Parliamentary business scheduled or provisionally listed for later sitting days.
Future Day Orals
A Commons business paper listing oral questions tabled for future days.
General Election
An election in which voters choose MPs for all House of Commons constituencies.
Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality
A category of MPs’ financial interests covering gifts, benefits and hospitality from UK sources.
GOV.UK
The main official website for UK Government information and services.
Government Amendment
An amendment proposed by the government to change a bill or motion.
Government Bill
A bill introduced by the Government rather than by an individual MP or peer.
Government Business
Parliamentary business arranged by the Government, usually taking priority in the Commons.
Government Defeat
A vote result in which the government loses a division or fails to secure approval for its position.
Government Response
The formal reply the government gives to a committee report or recommendation.
Grand Committee
A Lords committee setting where legislation or other business can be debated in detail without formal votes.
Green Paper
A government discussion document setting out ideas for consultation before firm policy decisions are made.
Gross Domestic Product
Abbreviation: GDP
A measure of the total value of goods and services produced in an economy.
Guide to the Rules
The detailed guide explaining how MPs should comply with the House of Commons Code of Conduct.
Guillotine Motion
An older term for a motion imposing strict time limits on debate.
Hansard
The official report of what was said in Parliament.
Health and Safety Executive
Abbreviation: HSE
The regulator responsible for workplace health and safety in Great Britain.
Health and Social Care Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises health and adult social care policy in England.
Henry VIII Power
A power allowing ministers to amend or repeal provisions in an Act using delegated legislation.
Higher Education
Abbreviation: HE
Education at university level or equivalent.
HM Courts and Tribunals Service
Abbreviation: HMCTS
The executive agency responsible for administering courts and tribunals in England and Wales and some UK-wide tribunals.
HM Prison and Probation Service
Abbreviation: HMPPS
The agency responsible for prisons and probation services in England and Wales.
HM Revenue and Customs
Abbreviation: HMRC
The UK tax authority responsible for collecting taxes and administering customs and some benefits.
HM Treasury
Abbreviation: HMT
The UK Government department responsible for public finances, tax policy, spending and economic policy.
Home Affairs Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises the Home Office and related policy areas.
Home Office
Abbreviation: HO
The UK Government department responsible for immigration, policing, national security and public safety.
Homes England
The government’s housing and regeneration agency for England.
House of Commons
Abbreviation: Commons
The elected chamber of the UK Parliament, made up of Members of Parliament.
House of Commons Code of Conduct
The rules setting expected standards of conduct for MPs in their public role.
House of Lords
Abbreviation: Lords
The unelected second chamber of the UK Parliament, which scrutinises bills and government policy.
Hybrid Bill
A public bill that affects certain people or bodies in a particular way beyond the general public.
Impact Assessment
A document explaining the expected effects of a proposed policy or law.
Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards
The adviser who supports the Prime Minister and ministers on ministerial standards and interests.
Independent Candidate
A candidate standing for election without a registered political party label.
Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme
Abbreviation: ICGS
Parliament’s independent mechanism for complaints about bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct.
Independent Expert Panel
Abbreviation: IEP
The independent panel that determines appeals and sanctions in certain cases involving MPs.
Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
Abbreviation: IPSA
The independent body that regulates and administers MPs’ business costs and decides MPs’ pay and pensions.
Information Commissioner’s Office
Abbreviation: ICO
The UK regulator for data protection and freedom of information.
Integrated Care Board
Abbreviation: ICB
An NHS body responsible for planning health services for a local area in England.
International Agreements Committee
Abbreviation: IAC
A House of Lords committee that scrutinises treaties and international agreements.
Joint Committee
A committee made up of members from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Joint Committee on Human Rights
Abbreviation: JCHR
A committee of MPs and peers that examines legislation and policy for compatibility with human rights standards.
Justice Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises justice policy, courts, prisons, probation and the Ministry of Justice.
Keeling Schedule
A schedule showing how amended legislation would read if changes were inserted into the existing text.
King’s Speech
The speech at the State Opening of Parliament setting out the government’s planned legislative programme.
Laid Paper
A document that has been formally laid before Parliament.
Land and Property Interests
A category of MPs’ financial interests covering certain land and property holdings or income.
Leader of the House of Commons
Abbreviation: Leader of the House
The government minister responsible for organising government business in the Commons.
legislation.gov.uk
The official online source for UK legislation, managed by The National Archives.
Legislative Consent Motion
Abbreviation: LCM
A motion by a devolved legislature giving or withholding consent to Westminster legislating in a devolved area.
Liaison Committee
A committee made up of select committee chairs, known for questioning the Prime Minister.
List of Ministers’ Interests
A published statement of relevant interests of government ministers.
Lobbying
Making the case for a policy, cause or interest directly to a decision-maker in order to influence decisions.
Lobbying for Reward or Consideration
The Commons rules restricting MPs from using parliamentary activity to benefit outside interests that reward them.
Local Authority
Abbreviation: LA
A local government body responsible for services in a particular area.
Lords Amendment
A change to a bill made by the House of Lords.
Lords Amendment Vote
A vote on whether to agree, reject or alter a change made by the House of Lords to a bill.
Lords Bill
Abbreviation: HL Bill
A bill that starts in the House of Lords or is marked as a Lords bill during its passage.
Lords Business
The official House of Lords business papers and documents for a sitting day.
Lords Journal
The official permanent record of decisions and proceedings in the House of Lords.
Lords Library
The House of Lords research service that publishes impartial briefings for Lords business.
Lords Minutes
The daily record of proceedings and decisions in the House of Lords.
Made Affirmative Procedure
A procedure allowing delegated legislation to be made and take effect before later parliamentary approval is required.
Main Business
The principal item or items scheduled for debate or decision in a sitting.
Main Chamber
The principal debating chamber of either House of Parliament.
Main Estimate
The main annual request for parliamentary authorisation of departmental spending.
Majority
The difference between the winning side and the next closest side in an election or vote.
Manor of Northstead
A Crown office used as a formal device allowing an MP to leave the House of Commons.
Manuscript Amendment
An amendment submitted too late to appear on the amendment paper but considered only if selected by the chair.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Abbreviation: MCA
The agency responsible for maritime safety, coastguard services and regulation of shipping standards.
Marshalled List
A list of amendments arranged in the order in which they relate to a bill or are expected to be considered.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Abbreviation: MHRA
The UK regulator responsible for medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion.
Member of Parliament
Abbreviation: MP
An elected representative who sits in the House of Commons.
Members’ Financial Interests
Financial interests or benefits held by an MP that may need to be registered or declared.
Minister
A member of the government with responsibility for a policy area or department.
Ministerial Code
The Prime Minister’s code setting out standards and guidance for government ministers.
Ministerial Correction
A correction made by a minister to information previously given to Parliament.
Ministerial Statement
A statement made by a minister to bring an important matter to Parliament’s attention.
Ministry of Defence
Abbreviation: MoD
The UK Government department responsible for defence policy, the armed forces and national military security.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Abbreviation: MHCLG
The UK Government department responsible for housing, local government, communities and planning policy in England.
Ministry of Justice
Abbreviation: MoJ
The UK Government department responsible for courts, prisons, probation and justice policy in England and Wales.
Money Resolution
A Commons motion authorising public spending connected to a bill.
Motion for a New Writ
A Commons motion used to start the formal process for filling a vacant parliamentary seat.
MPs’ Business Costs
The costs funded through IPSA to support MPs in carrying out parliamentary functions.
MPs’ Guide to Procedure
An official guide explaining House of Commons procedure for MPs and their staff.
National Audit Office
Abbreviation: NAO
The UK public spending watchdog that supports Parliament in scrutinising value for money.
National Crime Agency
Abbreviation: NCA
The UK law enforcement agency focused on serious and organised crime.
National Health Service
Abbreviation: NHS
The publicly funded health service in the UK.
National Highways
The company responsible for operating, maintaining and improving England’s strategic road network.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Abbreviation: NICE
The body that produces guidance and advice on health and care in England.
Natural England
The public body responsible for advising on and helping protect England’s natural environment.
Negative Procedure
A process where delegated legislation becomes law unless Parliament objects within a set period.
New Clause
A proposed additional clause that could be added to a bill during scrutiny.
NHS England
Abbreviation: NHSE
The body responsible for leading the NHS in England.
Noes
The votes cast against a motion or question in a parliamentary division.
Nomination Paper
A formal document used to nominate a candidate for election.
Non-Government Business
Parliamentary business that is not controlled directly by the Government.
Non-sitting Day
A day when a House of Parliament is not meeting to conduct ordinary business.
Northern Ireland Assembly
The devolved legislature for Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Office
Abbreviation: NIO
The UK Government department responsible for Northern Ireland matters that are reserved to the UK Government.
Not Content
The term used in the House of Lords for a vote against a question.
Not Voting
A general description for a member who does not appear in the recorded votes for either side.
Notice of Election
A formal notice published by the returning officer to start the local election timetable.
Notice Paper
A parliamentary paper giving notice of future business, questions, amendments or motions.
Office for Budget Responsibility
Abbreviation: OBR
The independent body that produces forecasts and analysis of the UK public finances.
Office for Environmental Protection
Abbreviation: OEP
The body that scrutinises and enforces environmental law in England and Northern Ireland.
Office for National Statistics
Abbreviation: ONS
The UK’s official statistics body, responsible for producing and publishing national statistics.
Office for Product Safety and Standards
Abbreviation: OPSS
The public body responsible for product safety and standards policy and enforcement support.
Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills
Abbreviation: Ofsted
The body that inspects and regulates education, children’s services and skills provision in England.
Office for Students
Abbreviation: OfS
The independent regulator for higher education in England.
Office of Communications
Abbreviation: Ofcom
The UK regulator for communications services, broadcasting, postal services, spectrum and online services.
Office of Gas and Electricity Markets
Abbreviation: Ofgem
The energy regulator for Great Britain.
Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation
Abbreviation: Ofqual
The regulator of qualifications, exams and assessments in England.
Office of Rail and Road
Abbreviation: ORR
The regulator for rail safety, rail performance and parts of the strategic road network.
Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists
Abbreviation: ORCL
The independent statutory office responsible for keeping and publishing the Register of Consultant Lobbyists.
Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland
Abbreviation: Scotland Office
The UK Government department representing Scotland’s interests in the UK Government and reserved UK matters in Scotland.
Office of the Secretary of State for Wales
Abbreviation: Wales Office
The UK Government department representing Wales’s interests in the UK Government and reserved UK matters in Wales.
Official Report
The formal edited report of parliamentary debates, commonly known as Hansard.
Opposition Day Debate
A debate chosen by an opposition party rather than by the government.
Oral Evidence
Evidence given by witnesses speaking directly to a parliamentary committee.
Oral Question
A question asked aloud in the chamber, with a minister answering in person.
Oral Statement
A spoken statement made by a minister in the chamber, followed by questions from members.
Order in Council
A type of legal instrument formally made through the Privy Council.
Order of Business
The order in which parliamentary business is scheduled to be taken.
Order of Oral Questions
The rota and order for departments to answer oral questions in the Commons.
Order Paper
The official list of business scheduled for a sitting day in Parliament.
Outside Employment
Paid work or roles held by an MP outside their parliamentary duties.
Paid Advocacy
A broad term for using a public position to promote an outside interest in return for payment or reward.
Paid Parliamentary Advice
A prohibited arrangement where an MP provides paid advice on parliamentary strategy, procedure or influence.
Pairing
An arrangement where two MPs from opposing sides agree not to vote so their absences balance out.
Paper Laid Before Parliament
A document formally presented to Parliament, often because legislation or procedure requires it.
Parliament Now
The UK Parliament service showing live information from the parliamentary annunciator system.
Parliament TV
The official live and archived video service for public UK Parliament proceedings.
Parliamentary Calendar
A public schedule showing when Parliament is sitting and what business is planned.
Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards
Abbreviation: PCS
The independent House of Commons officer responsible for monitoring the Code of Conduct and registers.
Parliamentary Constituency
Abbreviation: Constituency
A geographical area represented by one MP in the House of Commons.
Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
Abbreviation: POST
The UK Parliament office that produces impartial research on science and technology policy issues.
Parliamentary Paper
A paper formally published by, presented to, or ordered by one of the Houses of Parliament.
Parliamentary Privilege
The rights and protections Parliament needs to carry out its work effectively.
Parliamentary Timetable
The planned order and timing of parliamentary business.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
A junior ministerial rank within a government department.
Party Breakdown
A summary showing how recorded votes are distributed between political parties.
Payment Systems Regulator
Abbreviation: PSR
The regulator for payment systems in the UK.
Peer
A member of the House of Lords.
Periodic Adjournment
The formal procedural term for a recess.
Permanent Secretary
The most senior civil servant in a government department.
Personal Independence Payment
Abbreviation: PIP
A benefit for people with long-term health conditions or disabilities who need help with daily living or mobility costs.
Personal Statement
A short statement made by an MP or peer with permission, often to correct or explain a personal matter.
Petition
A formal request asking Parliament or one of its Houses to take action or consider an issue.
Petition Debate
A Westminster Hall debate on issues raised by one or more petitions.
Petitioner
A person or body that submits a petition to Parliament.
Petitions Committee
A Commons committee that considers e-petitions and public petitions.
Ping-pong
The stage when a bill moves between the Commons and Lords as they try to agree on amendments.
Poll Card
A card sent to a registered voter with information about where and when to vote.
Polling Day
The day on which voters cast their votes in an election.
Polling Place
The building or location where one or more polling stations are situated.
Polling Station
A place where voters go to cast their vote in person.
Postal Vote
A vote cast by post instead of in person at a polling station.
POSTnote
A short impartial briefing from the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.
Prayer Motion
A motion used to seek the annulment of a statutory instrument laid under the negative procedure.
Pre-legislative Scrutiny
The examination of a draft bill before it is formally introduced into Parliament.
Prime Minister
Abbreviation: PM
The head of the UK Government.
Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street
Abbreviation: No. 10
The office supporting the Prime Minister and issuing official statements from 10 Downing Street.
Prime Minister’s Questions
Abbreviation: PMQs
The weekly Commons session in which the Prime Minister answers questions from MPs.
Private Bill
A bill that would change the law for specific individuals, organisations or localities rather than the general public.
Private Business
Parliamentary business relating to private bills or other matters affecting specific interests.
Private Member’s Bill
A bill introduced by an MP or peer who is not acting on behalf of the government.
Privilege Motion
A motion connected to parliamentary privilege, standards or possible contempt of Parliament.
Privy Council
A formal body that advises the monarch and handles certain constitutional and legal functions.
Procedural Motion
A motion about how parliamentary business should be handled, rather than the substantive policy question itself.
Procedure Committee
A Commons select committee that examines House of Commons procedure and practice.
Programme Motion
A motion that sets the timetable for a bill’s progress through the House of Commons.
Prorogation
The formal end of a parliamentary session.
Provisional Business
Business listed in advance but still subject to change.
Proxy Vote
A voting arrangement where someone votes on behalf of another registered voter.
Prudential Regulation Authority
Abbreviation: PRA
The Bank of England body responsible for prudential regulation of banks, insurers and major investment firms.
Public Accounts Committee
Abbreviation: PAC
A Commons select committee that examines public spending and value for money.
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Abbreviation: PACAC
A Commons select committee that scrutinises constitutional issues and public administration.
Public Bill
A bill that would change the law as it applies to the general public.
Public Bill Committee
A Commons committee that examines most bills in detail after Second Reading.
Public Bill Committee Sitting
Abbreviation: PBC sitting
A meeting of a Public Bill Committee to examine a bill in detail.
Public Expenditure
Money spent by government and public bodies.
Public Petition
A paper petition presented to the House of Commons by an MP.
Public Sector Net Borrowing
Abbreviation: PSNB
A measure of how much the public sector borrows over a period.
Question Time
The period in a sitting when ministers answer oral questions from MPs or peers.
Reasoned Amendment
An amendment that sets out reasons for opposing a bill, often at Second Reading.
Recall of MPs Act 2015
The Act setting out when a recall petition can be opened for an MP.
Recall of the House
An arrangement for the House of Commons to meet during a recess in exceptional circumstances.
Recall Petition
A process that can lead to an MP losing their seat and a by-election being held.
Recess
A break during a parliamentary session when the Houses do not meet to conduct business.
Rectification
A process used to resolve less serious breaches of the Commons standards rules.
Register of All-Party Parliamentary Groups
The authoritative list of All-Party Parliamentary Groups.
Register of Consultant Lobbyists
The statutory register for consultant lobbyists lobbying UK Government ministers or permanent secretaries on behalf of clients.
Register of Members’ Financial Interests
The public register showing MPs’ relevant financial interests and benefits.
Registered Political Party
A political party registered to use a party name or description on ballot papers.
Registered Voter
A person whose name appears on the electoral register and who can vote if they meet the relevant rules.
Registrable Interest
An interest that an MP is required to place in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.
Registrar of Members’ Financial Interests
The official who gives advice on the MPs’ register and supports the registration of Members’ interests.
Relevant Interest
An interest that might reasonably be thought to influence an MP’s actions or words.
Remaining Orders
Commons business that has not yet been scheduled for a specific date.
Report Stage
The stage after committee scrutiny when the whole House can consider and vote on further amendments.
Research Briefing
An impartial parliamentary research publication explaining an issue, bill, debate or policy area.
Reserved Matter
A policy area that remains the responsibility of the UK Parliament and UK Government under a devolution settlement.
Retail Prices Index
Abbreviation: RPI
An older measure of inflation that is still used in some contracts and uprating calculations.
Return of the House
The date on which a House resumes sitting after a recess or other break.
Returning Officer
Abbreviation: RO
The official responsible for running an election in a local area.
Review Clause
A provision requiring a law or power to be reviewed after a certain period or in certain circumstances.
Rising of the House
The point at which a House finishes its business and adjourns.
Royal Assent
The formal approval required for a bill to become an Act of Parliament.
Royal Prerogative
Executive powers that historically belong to the Crown and are now usually exercised by ministers.
Schedule
A part of a bill or Act containing detailed provisions connected to the main clauses or sections.
Scheduled Business
Parliamentary business planned for a particular date or sitting.
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Abbreviation: SITC
A Commons select committee that scrutinises science, research, innovation and technology policy.
Scottish Government
The devolved government for Scotland.
Scottish Parliament
The devolved legislature for Scotland.
Second Job
A public-facing term for paid work an MP does outside their parliamentary role.
Second Reading
The stage where Parliament debates the main principles and purpose of a bill.
Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee
Abbreviation: SLSC
A House of Lords committee that examines secondary legislation and draws important instruments to the House’s attention.
Secretary of State
A senior government minister, usually responsible for a government department.
Select Committee
A cross-party committee that examines the work of government departments, public bodies, or specific issues.
Select Committee Inquiry
A formal investigation by a select committee into a topic, department, or public issue.
Senedd Cymru
Abbreviation: Senedd
The devolved legislature for Wales.
Session
The period during which Parliament conducts business between one State Opening and the next.
Sessional Order
An order made for the duration of a parliamentary session.
Seven Principles of Public Life
The ethical principles for public office holders, also known as the Nolan Principles.
Sewel Convention
A constitutional convention about Westminster legislating on devolved matters.
Shadow Minister
An opposition frontbench spokesperson who scrutinises a government minister or policy area.
Shareholdings
A category of MPs’ financial interests covering certain company shares or securities.
Sitting
A meeting of either House of Parliament, or of a committee.
Sitting Day
A day on which a House of Parliament meets to conduct business.
Sitting Hours
The usual times during which a House meets to conduct business.
Skeleton Bill
A bill containing broad principles but leaving much of the detail to be filled in later by delegated legislation.
Small and Medium-sized Enterprise
Abbreviation: SME
A business below a certain size, often used in policy about smaller firms.
Speaker of the House of Commons
Abbreviation: Speaker
The MP elected by the House of Commons to chair debates and maintain order.
Speaker’s Warrant
The formal instruction from the Speaker that leads to a new writ for a Commons by-election.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Abbreviation: SEND
Support needs affecting a child or young person’s learning, development, health or access to education.
Special Report
A committee report published for a specific purpose, often to respond to government replies or present particular material.
Spending Review
A government process setting departmental spending plans over a future period.
Spring Statement
A fiscal statement usually delivered by the Chancellor outside the main Budget.
Standards Investigation
An inquiry into whether an MP may have breached the House of Commons Code of Conduct or related rules.
Standing Order
A formal rule governing how Parliament or one of its Houses conducts business.
State Opening of Parliament
The formal ceremony that marks the start of a parliamentary session.
Statutory Consultation
A consultation that the law requires to take place before a decision, regulation, or other action is taken.
Statutory Guidance
Official guidance issued under legal authority, which public bodies may be required to follow or take into account.
Statutory Instrument
Abbreviation: SI
A form of secondary legislation made under powers granted by an Act of Parliament.
Statutory Instrument Committee
A general term for a committee arrangement used to consider statutory instruments.
Statutory Instrument Vote
Abbreviation: SI vote
A parliamentary vote on delegated legislation, usually a statutory instrument or draft statutory instrument.
Summer Recess
The main summer break in parliamentary sittings.
Sunset Clause
A provision causing part of a law to expire automatically at a set time unless renewed.
Super-affirmative Procedure
An enhanced scrutiny procedure giving Parliament more time and opportunity to consider delegated legislation before approval.
Supplementary Estimate
An in-year request to change the amount or purpose of spending already authorised by Parliament.
Supply Estimate
A document asking Parliament to authorise government spending for a department or service.
Suspension from the House
A sanction preventing an MP from sitting in the House for a specified period.
Tabling
The formal act of putting forward a question, motion or amendment in Parliament.
Tellers
Members who count votes during a division in Parliament.
Ten Minute Rule Bill
A type of Private Member’s Bill introduced after a short speech seeking the House’s leave.
The Pensions Regulator
Abbreviation: TPR
The UK regulator for workplace pension schemes.
Third Reading
The final stage in one House, where members debate the bill in its near-final form.
Three-line Whip
A strong party instruction requiring members to attend and vote in a particular way.
Topical Questions
Short-notice oral questions that allow members to raise current issues with ministers.
Transport Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises transport policy and the Department for Transport.
Treasury Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises HM Treasury, tax, public finances and financial regulation.
Treaty
A formal international agreement between states or international organisations.
Treaty Scrutiny
Parliamentary examination of treaties before the UK Government ratifies them.
Treaty Tracker
The UK Parliament service for finding treaties laid before Parliament.
Turnout
The proportion of eligible or registered voters who vote in an election.
UK Health Security Agency
Abbreviation: UKHSA
The UK agency responsible for protecting public health from infectious diseases and other health threats.
UK Parliament
The institution made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Crown.
UK Visas and Immigration
Abbreviation: UKVI
The Home Office body responsible for visas, immigration applications and related services.
Universal Credit
Abbreviation: UC
A working-age benefit that brings together several forms of income-related support.
Urgent Question
Abbreviation: UQ
A question allowed at short notice so a minister must come to the House and answer on an urgent matter.
Visits Outside the UK
A category of MPs’ financial interests covering certain overseas visits funded by others.
Vote Result
The recorded outcome of a parliamentary vote, showing whether the question was agreed or rejected.
Voter ID
The requirement to show accepted photo identification when voting in person in some UK elections.
Votes and Proceedings
The official Commons record of decisions and proceedings for a sitting day.
Votes Cast
The total number of recorded votes on all sides of a division or election result.
Votes in Parliament
The official UK Parliament service for finding House of Commons and House of Lords division results.
Water Services Regulation Authority
Abbreviation: Ofwat
The economic regulator for the water and wastewater sector in England and Wales.
Ways and Means Resolution
A Commons motion authorising tax or charge provisions connected to a bill.
Welsh Government
The devolved government for Wales.
Westminster Hall Debate
A Commons debate held away from the main chamber, usually on a general motion without a vote.
What’s on in Parliament
The UK Parliament service showing scheduled Commons and Lords business.
Whip
A party official responsible for organising party discipline and voting in Parliament.
White Paper
A government policy document setting out more definite proposals or plans for future action.
Whitsun Recess
A break in parliamentary sittings around late May or early summer.
Writ
A formal legal document used to authorise an election or other official action.
Writ of Election
The formal document that authorises an election to fill a seat in the House of Commons.
Written Evidence
Evidence submitted in writing to a parliamentary committee or inquiry.
Written Ministerial Statement
A formal written statement by a minister to Parliament, usually used to announce decisions or provide official information.
Written Question
A question submitted in writing to a minister, with the answer given in writing.
Written Statement
A written statement by a minister placed on the parliamentary record.