London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The House of Commons is seen as a representation of British custom. The chamber is home to several peculiar and outmoded regulations that Members of Parliament are expected to adhere to. During Prime Minister’s Questions, it is customary for those present to stand, sometimes called bobbing. But why do MPs stand up in the house of commons, and how does this contribute to preserving order? This should answer all of your questions…
The reason why Do MPs Stand Up in the house of commons?
During the Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), members of Parliament (MPs) may be observed hastily rising once a question is directed toward the Prime Minister. This is also sometimes referred to as “grabbing the attention of the Speaker.”
When someone wants to pose a question during the session, they may signal their intention to the Speaker by standing immediately after a question and before the Prime Minister responds.
To ensure that they can ask their intended questions during PMQs, members of parliament are required to put their names to the Order Paper before the commencement of the session. The Speaker may occasionally grant permission for extra questions to be asked.
The member of parliament (MP) who stands up indicates that they want to ask an extra question that is not on the Order Paper. However, there is no obligation that further questions be heard, particularly if the timetable is already full.
The periods in which members of parliament are permitted to speak are assigned on a completely arbitrary basis. The member of parliament representing the government will ask their question first, followed by a member of parliament representing the opposition. The speaker will then call on other members of parliament to pose their questions.
What are the basic rules for Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons?
The Prime Minister’s Questions are held weekly in the House of Commons at noon on Wednesdays. In addition, the norms of behaviour and etiquette expected during regular discussions in the House of Commons are still in effect during PMQs.
It is standard procedure for Members of parliament (MPs) to submit a “engagements” inquiry, which is then published in the Order Paper and is accessible to the public. In actuality, this translates to the member of parliament being able to ask a question of the Prime Minister without the wording of the question being published.
After the member of parliament who had a question on the Order Paper had asked it and the Prime Minister had given his response, the Speaker will often call on other members of parliament to offer a supplemental question.
The inquiry is not required to be related to the topic being discussed. Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition is allotted the opportunity to pose six questions. They are the only members of parliament who are permitted to return with more questions.
How do the speakers conduct themselves?
The Speaker presides over discussions in the House of Commons and maintains order by repeatedly shouting, “Order, order!” They also urge lawmakers to participate in floor discussions.
This is an important part to play. By requesting members to remain silent during the speeches of others, by ordering a member to retract words if they are considered abusive, and by suspending the session of the House if there is major disorder, the Speaker guarantees that MPs observe the rules of the House of Commons.
Additionally, they can decide amongst potential changes and weigh in on whether or not norms are being violated.
Conclusion
Why do people stand up in the house of commons? When a member of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom wishes to bring anything to the notice of the Speaker, they stand up. However, it would be difficult to get the Speaker’s attention during a division since the bells would ring and members would walk about the chamber. To get the attention of the Speaker, members of the chamber would either wear a hat or cover their heads with a piece of paper.