Speaker celebrates 25 years of House of Commons Westminster Hall debates

What are Westminster Hall debates?

Westminster Hall debates can cover almost any issue, providing MPs from all parties the chance to highlight constituents’ concerns, debate policy or discuss matters of national and local significance. MPs can use Westminster Hall debates to raise an issue directly with a minister and attempt to influence Government policy.

They take place in the Grand Committee room, which sits off the historic Westminster Hall, the site of the lying in state of Queen Elizabeth II.

Marking 25 years

Marking the anniversary, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, said:

“I am one of the few MPs who can remember the introduction of Westminster Hall debates a quarter of a century ago. 

To my mind, it instantly opened another opportunity and space for backbenchers like me at the time to raise issues that were important to our constituents – and to hear a response from a minister. 

Adjournment debates in the Chamber are usually limited to the Member in charge and a responding Minister, but debates in Westminster Hall provide an excellent opportunity for other MPs to contribute and for a short debate to take place.

Also, unlike the Chamber, where most business is decided by the Government, Westminster Hall debates are led by backbench MPs from across the House.  

An innovation of the last decade has been debates on e-petitions which allow the public to have influence over the issues they want debated in Parliament.”

The Speaker discusses his reflections on Westminster Hall debates in this video.

The principal deputy Speaker, the Chairman of Ways and Means, has responsibility for coordinating the sittings in Westminster Hall. Marking 25 years, Nusrat Ghani MP, Chairman of Ways and Means, said:

“Westminster Hall debates are a fantastic opportunity for MPs from every corner of the country to raise an issue of importance to them and their constituents ensure a Government minister provides a direct response.

Topics of these debates can range from local to global significance, and the MP bringing forward the debate gets to choose the topic. It’s a superb opportunity to bring attention to a local or national campaign.

As Chairman of Ways and Means, it’s my privilege to look after these debates, listening to colleagues raise issues of significance to their constituents. Westminster Hall debates play such an important role in Parliamentary democracy, and I am delighted to play my part. Here’s to the next 25 years.”

To hear more about Westminster Hall, see this video which provides an insight from a clerk whose role it is to support the running of these debates.

What topics are discussed in Westminster Hall debates?

Westminster Hall debates allow backbench MPs - those who are not government ministers - the chance to set the agenda and bring issues to the attention of the Government.

Recent topics of debate have included employment support for blind and partially sighted people, flood preparedness in Norfolk, and Apprenticeships and T Levels.   

What happens during a Westminster Hall debate?

The MP leading the debate makes the first speech, outlining their views, presenting examples and, in some instances, calling on the Government to take action.

Other MPs take turns to speak in the debate. For longer debates, the main opposition parties then have a chance to respond.

The Chair will then call upon the Minister attending (on behalf of the Government) to respond. In doing so, the Minister will generally respond to concerns raised by MPs, explain the government’s position and share relevant plans or ambitions for the future.

Find out more with our interactive explainer.

How can MPs secure a Westminster Hall debate?

MPs who wish to hold a hold a debate enter a ballot for a chance to have their topic selected. The debates in Westminster Hall take place at set times during the week, with those held on Mondays usually chosen by the Petitions Committee. MPs who wish to hold a Westminster Hall debate can apply to hold a 30, 60 or 90-minute debate on a Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Backbench Business Committee and Liaison Committee allocate debates for a Thursday afternoon.

Attending Westminster Hall debates

Visitors are able to attend Westminster Hall debates. Find out what upcoming debates are being held in Westminster Hall here. Westminster Hall debates can also be watched online at Parliament Live.