Step-by-step:
These steps are for submitting an EDM on paper. You can also submit an EDM online. You or your staff can complete these steps, but your handwritten signature is required for step 7.
- You can only table an EDM when the House is meeting. If you submit it at other times, it won’t be tabled and published until the House meets again.
- Write the title and text of the EDM: The title should be short and neutral. The text must be a single sentence of no more than 250 words beginning “That this House…”. Use semi-colons to divide the sentence up if necessary. You can get advice from the Table Office if you’re unsure about the wording, or look at some examples. You can download a template for EDMs (Word 48KB) from the intranet or get one from the Table Office, but you don’t have to use the template.
- Check that your EDM conforms to the rules for EDMs.
- Add your name to the EDM.
- If you have a relevant interest to declare, write “R” after your name. Email tableoffice@parliament.uk to say what the interest is.
- Ask other MPs to sign the EDM to show their support if you want (you don’t need any other signatures and other MPs can sign the EDM after it has been submitted). If you have other signatures, indicate the order in which you would like the first six signatures to appear when the EDM is published.
- Take the EDM to the Table Office, or ask another MP to take it for you. Or sign the EDM and post it or ask your staff to take it to the Table Office (photocopied, stamped or faxed signatures can’t be accepted).
- The Table Office will check your EDM and contact you if there’s a problem. Once the Table Office has approved your EDM, it’s been tabled and will be published the next sitting day.