Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Decision on the Voices
A decision made when the House agrees or rejects a question without a recorded division.
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 Memorandum
A document explaining why a bill gives ministers or others powers to make delegated legislation.
Departmental Questions
Commons oral questions addressed to ministers from a specific government department.
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.