Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
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.