Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Ayes
The votes cast in favour of a motion or question in a parliamentary division.
Confidence Motion
A motion used to test whether the government still has the support of the House of Commons.
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.
Free Vote
A vote where party members are not instructed to vote in a particular way.
Government Defeat
A vote result in which the government loses a division or fails to secure approval for its position.
Noes
The votes cast against a motion or question in a parliamentary division.
Tellers
Members who count votes during a division in Parliament.
Three-line Whip
A strong party instruction requiring members to attend and vote in a particular way.
Whip
A party official responsible for organising party discipline and voting in Parliament.