This Insight explores the key changes to parliamentary procedures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Documents to download
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Number of Commons divisions by session since 1945 (81 KB, PDF)
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Supporting documents
- Number of Commons divisions by session since 1945 (38 KB, Excel Spreadsheet) (38 KB, Excel Spreadsheet)
Not every motion before the House is subject to a division; if the House is in agreement, there is no need to vote. To test the opinion of the House, the Speaker will ask Members who agree with the motion to call out ‘aye’ and those against ‘no’. If there is no clear majority, the Speaker will then call for a division by announcing ‘clear the lobbies’.
Further Information on divisions
The Commons Library briefing on divisions in the House of Commons describes the current practice and historical development of divisions. The deferred divisions briefing examines the background to the introduction of deferred divisions on a trial basis in 2000 and their permanent establishment in 2004.
Ballot papers for deferred divisions in the House of Commons for the current session (and previous sessions since 2000) form part of the Business Papers of the Commons and are available on the Parliament website.
Sitting days
The number of days sat each session is given in the Commons Library briefing on sitting days by session since 1945. For information on trends in the number of sitting days and hours of the House of Commons, see the briefing on House of Commons: hours sat and late sittings since 1979.
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
-
Number of Commons divisions by session since 1945 (81 KB, PDF)
-
Supporting documents
- Number of Commons divisions by session since 1945 (38 KB, Excel Spreadsheet) (38 KB, Excel Spreadsheet)
Related posts
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The coronavirus timeline sets out the Commons’ response to the pandemic, including key ‘lock down’ dates and changes to the way parliamentarians worked. It includes links to the relevant debates in Hansard, Speaker’s Statements, Procedure Committee reports, the ‘Members’ Guide to hybrid proceedings’ and correspondence on proceedings during the pandemic.
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This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.
