Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Made Affirmative Procedure
A procedure allowing delegated legislation to be made and take effect before later parliamentary approval is required.
Main Business
The principal item or items scheduled for debate or decision in a sitting.
Main Chamber
The principal debating chamber of either House of Parliament.
Main Estimate
The main annual request for parliamentary authorisation of departmental spending.
Majority
The difference between the winning side and the next closest side in an election or vote.
Manor of Northstead
A Crown office used as a formal device allowing an MP to leave the House of Commons.
Manuscript Amendment
An amendment submitted too late to appear on the amendment paper but considered only if selected by the chair.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Abbreviation: MCA
The agency responsible for maritime safety, coastguard services and regulation of shipping standards.
Marshalled List
A list of amendments arranged in the order in which they relate to a bill or are expected to be considered.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Abbreviation: MHRA
The UK regulator responsible for medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion.
Member of Parliament
Abbreviation: MP
An elected representative who sits in the House of Commons.
Members’ Financial Interests
Financial interests or benefits held by an MP that may need to be registered or declared.
Minister
A member of the government with responsibility for a policy area or department.
Ministerial Code
The Prime Minister’s code setting out standards and guidance for government ministers.
Ministerial Correction
A correction made by a minister to information previously given to Parliament.
Ministerial Statement
A statement made by a minister to bring an important matter to Parliament’s attention.
Ministry of Defence
Abbreviation: MoD
The UK Government department responsible for defence policy, the armed forces and national military security.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Abbreviation: MHCLG
The UK Government department responsible for housing, local government, communities and planning policy in England.
Ministry of Justice
Abbreviation: MoJ
The UK Government department responsible for courts, prisons, probation and justice policy in England and Wales.
Money Resolution
A Commons motion authorising public spending connected to a bill.
Motion for a New Writ
A Commons motion used to start the formal process for filling a vacant parliamentary seat.
MPs’ Business Costs
The costs funded through IPSA to support MPs in carrying out parliamentary functions.
MPs’ Guide to Procedure
An official guide explaining House of Commons procedure for MPs and their staff.