Westminster Hall Debate

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A Commons debate held away from the main chamber, usually on a general motion without a vote.

Category: Parliament and elections Parliamentary procedure

Also used as: Westminster Hall debate, Westminster Hall debates, Westminster Hall adjournment debate, Westminster Hall adjournment debates

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament explainer on Westminster Hall debates

Last reviewed: 21 August 2026

A Westminster Hall Debate is a House of Commons debate held away from the main Commons chamber. These debates are normally held on neutral, general motions and are used for backbench, petition, committee and constituency-related subjects. They allow MPs to raise issues with ministers and place matters on the parliamentary record, but they do not normally end with a formal division.

Related terms

Adjournment DebateA debate, usually on a specific issue, held without a vote on a substantive motion.HansardThe official report of what was said in Parliament.
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