MPs' Guide to Procedure

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Find guidance on temporary procedures during the pandemic including voting, questions and statements. Members can find detailed guidance on participating virtually and voting on the Parliamentary intranet (please note: this link will only work if you have a parliamentary email account.)

Votes on Ten-Minute Rule Bills

There can be a vote on whether a Ten-Minute Rule bill can be introduced. There are a few ways in which the question can be decided:

  • There is no speech opposing the bill, suggesting that no one wants to vote against it, and the bill is introduced without a vote.
  • There is a speech against the bill and MPs shout “No” when the Speaker puts the question that leave be granted to bring it in. This results in a vote.
  • There is a speech against the bill but MPs don’t object when the Speaker puts the question, and the bill is introduced without a vote.

If the vote is in favour, or if there is no vote, the bill is introduced and can move on to its second reading on another day (although in practice the chances of the second reading debate actually taking place are slim because priority is given to bills introduced under the Private Member’s Bill ballot). If the vote is against the bill, it can’t be introduced and goes no further.