Deferred Division

A Commons division postponed to a later scheduled time rather than taken immediately after debate.

Also used as: deferred division, deferred divisions, postponed division, postponed divisions

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament glossary entry on deferred divisions

Last reviewed: 21 August 2026

A deferred division is a Commons vote postponed to a later scheduled time instead of being taken immediately at the end of the debate. Deferred divisions are usually about timing and procedure rather than the underlying subject of the motion. They are commonly linked to certain motions, including some statutory instrument business.

Scroll to Top