This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.
Documents to download
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Emergency debates in the House of Commons since 1979 (108 KB, PDF)
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Supporting documents
- Emergency debates in the House of Commons since 1979 (56 KB, Excel Spreadsheet) (56 KB, Excel Spreadsheet)
What is an emergency debate?
An emergency debate is called at short notice on a subject of a “specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration“.
Applying for an emergency debate
MPs can apply to the Speaker for permission to hold a debate on a topic not scheduled in the week’s business* under the rules of Standing Order (SO) No. 24. If the Speaker is satisfied that the subject fulfils the criteria set out in SO No. 24, the Member has three minutes following question time (and any urgent questions or ministerial statements) to make their case to the House.
*Note: Parliamentary business is announced by the Leader of the House each Thursday following oral questions. This is usually 10.30am but may be later if there are ministerial statements and/or an emergency debate.
When is the emergency debate held?
If the House agrees to the request for an emergency debate, the Speaker announces when the debate will be held and for how long. The debate may be held on the same day the application is made but is usually held on the following day.
Parliament: facts and figures
This series of publications contains data on various subjects relating to Parliament and Government. Topics include legislation, MPs, select committees, debates, divisions and Parliamentary procedure.
Feedback
Please send any comments or corrections to the Parliament & Constitution Centre. Suggestions for new lists welcomed.
Related Links
Documents to download
-
Emergency debates in the House of Commons since 1979 (108 KB, PDF)
-
Supporting documents
- Emergency debates in the House of Commons since 1979 (56 KB, Excel Spreadsheet) (56 KB, Excel Spreadsheet)
Related posts
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On 23 June 2020, the House approved the establishment of an Independent Expert Panel to consider cases against MPs raised under the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme. On 24 November 2020, it will be asked to approve the eight members of the Independent Expert Panel.
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The House debated the Independent Complaints and Grievance Policy Programme Team’s Delivery Report on 19 July 2018 and agreed a new parliament-wide Behaviour Code. Procedures for making complaints and obtaining support have been put in place. This briefing note reviews the debate, the report, the background to it and subsequent developments. Inquiries by Dame Laura Cox and Gemma White, and the implementation of their recommendations are also discussed.
