Early Day Motion - Project Open Gov

A formal motion tabled in the House of Commons, often used to draw attention to an issue or gather support from MPs.

Category: Parliamentary documents and sources Parliamentary procedure

Abbreviation: EDM

Also used as: EDM, EDMs, Early Day Motions, early day motion, early day motions

Official website: Search Early Day Motions

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament explainer on Early Day Motions

Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

An Early Day Motion is a formal motion tabled in the House of Commons. In modern practice, EDMs are usually used to draw attention to a subject, record support, mark an event, or press for action, rather than to create time for an immediate debate. MPs can add their names to show support, so EDMs can be useful in MP profile and accountability features.

Related terms

All-Party Parliamentary GroupAn informal cross-party group of MPs and peers with no official status within Parliament.House of CommonsThe elected chamber of the UK Parliament, made up of Members of Parliament.Member of ParliamentAn elected representative who sits in the House of Commons.Prayer MotionA motion used to seek the annulment of a statutory instrument laid under the negative procedure.Register of Members’ Financial InterestsThe public register showing MPs’ relevant financial interests and benefits.