Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

House of Commons Debates

300 main chamber debates on legislation and government business

What are House of Commons Debates?

House of Commonsdebates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons, where MPs scrutinise legislation, debate government policy, and hold ministers accountable. These debates are central to the UK's democratic process and cover everything from new bills to urgent matters of national importance.

  • Debates cover bills at various stages of the legislative process, from first reading to final approval
  • MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and propose amendments to legislation
  • Urgent debates address time-sensitive issues requiring immediate parliamentary attention
  • General debates allow wide-ranging discussion on government policy and current affairs

Types of House of Commons debates:

  • *
    Ministerial Statements: Government ministers announce major policy decisions. Minister speaks -> Shadow Secretary responds -> MPs ask questions.
  • *
    Urgent Questions: MPs ask pressing questions requiring immediate government response. MP asks -> Minister answers -> Follow-up questions.
  • *
    Adjournment Debates: End-of-day debates where an MP raises a constituency concern. MP presents issue (15-30 mins) -> Minister responds.
  • *
    General Debates: Multiple MPs debate legislation, budgets, or policies. Various speakers -> May include minister/shadow responses -> Sometimes ends with vote.
Debate Lead MP Actions
2024 - 17 Jul - 27 Nov (50 debates)
November - 04-27 Nov (15 debates)
October - 08-31 Oct (16 debates)
September - 02-12 Sep (10 debates)
July - 17-30 Jul (9 debates)
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