Main Business - Project Open Gov

The principal item or items scheduled for debate or decision in a sitting.

Also used as: main business, Main Business, main item of business, principal business

Source / explainer: Read UK Parliament information on daily business papers

Last reviewed: 23 August 2026

Main business is the principal business scheduled for a sitting, such as a bill stage, debate, motion or other substantive item. It is usually shown in the daily business papers. Because the phrase is broad, it should be used mainly as a tooltip or glossary explanation rather than heavily auto-linked.

Related terms

Bill StageOne of the formal steps a bill must pass through as it moves through Parliament.Business TodayThe part of the Commons Order Paper showing business scheduled for the current sitting day.Government BusinessParliamentary business arranged by the Government, usually taking priority in the Commons.Order PaperThe official list of business scheduled for a sitting day in Parliament.Parliamentary TimetableThe planned order and timing of parliamentary business.