You can use a point of order to get guidance from the Speaker in the Chamber on a matter of House of Commons procedure.
- You can make a point of order that relates to a particular incident at any time immediately after the incident. Stand in your place and indicate to the Speaker that you wish to make a point of order by saying, “On a point of order, Mr Speaker.”
- More substantial points of order, and points of order not related to a specific debate or MP’s contribution, are usually taken in the Chamber after Question Time, and any urgent questions or oral statements. If you want to make a substantial point of order, it’s best to notify the Speaker’s Office in advance—particularly if it relates to something complex that requires research.
MPs often use points of order to try to continue a debate, but the Speaker generally frowns on this. A genuine point of order is something that relates to House procedure and which the Speaker can rule upon.
The Speaker will not generally rule on something hypothetical or on something that has happened in a committee, as this is the responsibility of the committee chair.