Divisions

Both upper and lower chambers register their votes on specific motions within debates or in committee by dividing. The results of the vote are referred to as Divisions.

When the debate on a question has concluded, the Speaker rises from the Chair saying: "The question is..." followed by whatever the motion is. Members are then asked to vote by shouting out 'Aye', if they are for the motion, and 'No' if against. The Speaker will announce the winner of the vote according to which side has responded with the loudest shouts.

If the result is unclear, or is contested, then a division is called by the Speaker, announcing "Clear the Lobbies" (or "Clear the Bar" in the House of Lords).

Division Bells ring throughout the building to let Members know that a vote is taking place, and the police direct anyone who is not a Member to leave the lobby areas. They also walk through the public rooms of the House shouting "division". Members must register their vote in either the Aye Lobby or the No Lobby (Contents Lobby and the Not Contents Lobby in the Lords)

MPs have eight minutes to get to the Division Lobby before the doors are closed.

The Division List records how the Members have voted. Tellers count the votes of the division so that they can be printed in Hansard. Party affiliations are not recorded in the division lists.