Sessional Order - Project Open Gov

An order made for the duration of a parliamentary session.

Also used as: sessional orders

Source / explainer: Browse the UK Parliament glossary

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

A sessional order is an order of the House made to apply for the duration of a particular parliamentary session. It may deal with matters such as access, procedure, scheduling, or administrative arrangements. Unlike some standing rules, sessional orders are tied to the life of a session rather than continuing automatically from one session to the next.

Related terms

AmendmentA proposed change to the wording of a bill, motion, or other parliamentary text.BillA proposed law that must pass through Parliament before it can become an Act.DivisionA formal vote in Parliament where members are counted for each side.Statutory InstrumentA form of secondary legislation made under powers granted by an Act of Parliament.