Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
General Election
An election in which voters choose MPs for all House of Commons constituencies.
Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality
A category of MPs’ financial interests covering gifts, benefits and hospitality from UK sources.
GOV.UK
The main official website for UK Government information and services.
Government Amendment
An amendment proposed by the government to change a bill or motion.
Government Bill
A bill introduced by the Government rather than by an individual MP or peer.
Government Business
Parliamentary business arranged by the Government, usually taking priority in the Commons.
Government Defeat
A vote result in which the government loses a division or fails to secure approval for its position.
Government Response
The formal reply the government gives to a committee report or recommendation.
Grand Committee
A Lords committee setting where legislation or other business can be debated in detail without formal votes.
Green Paper
A government discussion document setting out ideas for consultation before firm policy decisions are made.
Gross Domestic Product
Abbreviation: GDP
A measure of the total value of goods and services produced in an economy.
Guide to the Rules
The detailed guide explaining how MPs should comply with the House of Commons Code of Conduct.
Guillotine Motion
An older term for a motion imposing strict time limits on debate.