Skip to main content

Backbench Business Committee debates

You can apply to the Backbench Business Committee to hold a debate. The Government set aside time in the Chamber and Westminster Hall for debates led by backbenchers (MPs who aren’t ministers or shadow ministers). The Backbench Business Committee is a select committee that hears and decides on backbenchers’ requests for that debating time.

The Committee can grant:

  • Three-hour or full-day debates in the Chamber. These can be on a general or substantive motion. These debates often take place on a Thursday.
  • 90-minute (on a Tuesday or Thursday) or 90 minute or three-hour (on a Thursday) debates in Westminster Hall on a general motion. Other Westminster Hall debates are granted by the Speaker’s Office.

Contact an expert

Contact an expert

Contact: Backbench Business Committee