Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
National Audit Office
Abbreviation: NAO
The UK public spending watchdog that supports Parliament in scrutinising value for money.
National Crime Agency
Abbreviation: NCA
The UK law enforcement agency focused on serious and organised crime.
National Health Service
Abbreviation: NHS
The publicly funded health service in the UK.
National Highways
The company responsible for operating, maintaining and improving England’s strategic road network.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Abbreviation: NICE
The body that produces guidance and advice on health and care in England.
Natural England
The public body responsible for advising on and helping protect England’s natural environment.
Negative Procedure
A process where delegated legislation becomes law unless Parliament objects within a set period.
New Clause
A proposed additional clause that could be added to a bill during scrutiny.
NHS England
Abbreviation: NHSE
The body responsible for leading the NHS in England.
Noes
The votes cast against a motion or question in a parliamentary division.
Nomination Paper
A formal document used to nominate a candidate for election.
Non-Government Business
Parliamentary business that is not controlled directly by the Government.
Non-sitting Day
A day when a House of Parliament is not meeting to conduct ordinary business.
Northern Ireland Assembly
The devolved legislature for Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Office
Abbreviation: NIO
The UK Government department responsible for Northern Ireland matters that are reserved to the UK Government.
Not Content
The term used in the House of Lords for a vote against a question.
Not Voting
A general description for a member who does not appear in the recorded votes for either side.
Notice of Election
A formal notice published by the returning officer to start the local election timetable.
Notice Paper
A parliamentary paper giving notice of future business, questions, amendments or motions.