The MPs' Guide to Procedure online resource is currently being updated. View the new version of the MPs' Guide to Procedure (PDF, 1.5MB), published in January 2024.

Skip to main content

Erskine May

Erskine May is the authoritative book on parliamentary law and practice. It’s a description of how procedure in the House of Commons and House of Lords has evolved and the conventions that apply, rather than a set of rules.

The latest edition of Erskine May, published in 2019, is publicly available on Parliament’s website and will be updated periodically. You can also buy a hard copy or borrow one from the House of Commons Library.

Its full title is A treatise on the law, privileges, proceedings and usage of Parliament but it’s referred to as Erskine May after its original author Thomas Erskine May.

Contact an expert

Contact an expert

Contact: Journal Office