Rules of behaviour and courtesies in the House

Guidance on rules of behaviour and courtesies in the House has been issued by successive Speakers since at least 2001, with a view toward helping MPs, and especially new MPs, operate effectively and with confidence in the Chamber. The guidance brings together longstanding rules and conventions, and is updated from time to time to reflect changes in House of Commons procedure and evolving practice. A more complete set of rules and conventions can be found in Erskine May and the House of Commons Standing Orders.

In his message to Members, Mr Speaker said:

"As we are six months into this new Parliament, and following the meetings I have held with new colleagues, I thought that it might be considered helpful if I reminded colleagues of some of the conventions that exist in relation to what could be termed 'behaviour' in the House. Please find attached a pamphlet which addresses some of the areas about which I, and my colleagues in the Chair, are most frequently asked about, and a quick guide which highlights the key points. Hard copies of these will also be made available to you.

I do hope that you are able to find the time to acquaint yourselves with the contents of these and I hope that you find them of some use, either as a gentle reminder to longer-serving colleagues or as a useful guide for those others who are just starting their journey on their parliamentary career. I send you my very best wishes for this parliament."

The guidance

A copy of the leaflet and quick guide can be viewed online:

Rules of behaviour and courtesies in the House

Quick guide to participating in the Chamber and Westminster Hall