The Glossary

A plain English guide to the most common terms encountered in Parliament.

Disclaimer: This guide is intended to provide accessible descriptions on the process and procedure of Parliament. It is not a comprehensive list of all possible procedural variations.

A
Act of Parliament

    Statutory law of the United Kingdom
Adjournment Debate
    Concluding debate of the Parliamentary Day
B
Ballot Bill
    A lottery to award precedence to Private Members Bills
Bill Budget
    Chancellors announcement of changes to taxation
E
Estimates
    The process by which Parliament approves Government expenditure
G
Government Bills

    Legislation tabled by HM Government
M
Ministers
    An MP or Lord who holds office in HM Government
P
Parliamentary Day
    The typical course of business for the House of Commons
Presentation Bill
    The main method for a Bill to be put before Parliament
Private Members Bill Process of a Bill S
Secondary Legislation Secretary of State Session
    The typical year by which the term of a Parliament is divided
T
Ten Minute Rule Bill
    A glamorised First Reading of a Bill for backbenchers
W
Whips
    Members responsible for the daily administration of Party business