How House of Commons votes work
Divisions: how MPs vote
When the House of Commons cannot decide a question by voice alone, it holds a formal recorded vote called a division. MPs physically walk through one of two lobbies - the Aye lobby to vote in favour, the No lobby against - and are counted and recorded by name.
Abstentions
There is no formal abstention. MPs who don't vote are simply absent from the record - which can mean deliberate abstention, illness, or other parliamentary business. Rarely, an MP registers a pointed abstention by walking through both lobbies.
Whipped votes and rebellions
Most votes follow the party whip - the instruction from each party's business managers - with a "three-line whip" the strongest. Voting against a three-line whip is a rebellion and can carry consequences up to suspension from the parliamentary party.
Free votes
On matters of conscience - historically issues like abortion or assisted dying - parties may allow a free vote with no whip, leaving each MP to decide individually. Each division above links through to the full record of how every MP voted.
Loading from Parliament.uk…
Frequently asked questions
What is a division in the House of Commons?
A division is a formal recorded vote. MPs walk through the Aye or No lobby and are recorded by name, producing the totals shown in this tracker. Each division links to the official record of how every MP voted.
Can MPs abstain in Commons votes?
There is no formal abstention mechanism. MPs who do not wish to support either side simply do not vote, so an absence from the record can mean deliberate abstention, illness, or other parliamentary business.
What is a whipped vote?
A whipped vote is one where parties instruct their MPs how to vote, with a three-line whip being the strongest instruction. A free vote, by contrast, leaves MPs to decide according to their own judgement, traditionally on matters of conscience.
Where does this voting data come from?
All results come directly from the official House of Commons Votes API, which publishes each division shortly after it takes place, including the totals and the individual voting record of every MP.