This list notes the number of divisions (votes) by session in the House of Commons since the 1945–46 parliamentary session. The totals include deferred divisions.
Number of Commons divisions by session since 1945 (81 KB , PDF)
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’.
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.
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.
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.
Please send any comments or corrections to the Parliament & Constitution Centre. Suggestions for new lists welcomed.
Number of Commons divisions by session since 1945 (81 KB , PDF)
This House of Commons Library briefing provides details of the current levels of 'Short money' allocated to opposition parties for parliamentary duties and a brief history of the scheme. Figures for the corresponding scheme in the House of Lords (Cranborne money) are provided. The briefing also provides details of allocations made under the Representative Money scheme.
A briefing on the constitutional and ceremonial events surrounding the Accession of King Charles III
Urgent questions are a category of oral questions that allow all MPs not in the Government to put a question to a minister without the usual notice required for oral question time and without the need to be drawn in a ballot.
