Non-Government Business - Project Open Gov

Parliamentary business that is not controlled directly by the Government.

Also used as: non-government business, non Government business, non-government time, non-government parliamentary business

Source / explainer: Read the MPs’ Guide to Procedure on timings

Last reviewed: 23 August 2026

Non-Government business is parliamentary business not controlled directly by the Government. It can include Opposition Day debates, backbench business and Private Members’ Bills. The term is useful for explaining why some scheduled debates or motions come from MPs or parties outside the Government.

Related terms

Backbench Business DebateA debate on a subject chosen by backbench MPs rather than by the government.Opposition Day DebateA debate chosen by an opposition party rather than by the government.Parliamentary TimetableThe planned order and timing of parliamentary business.Private Member’s BillA bill introduced by an MP or peer who is not acting on behalf of the government.