A parliamentary vote takes place when MPs are asked to choose between two options on an item of business. The process is important because it means that the opinions of people who disagree with the majority viewpoint have been heard and are considered. However, it is not intended to be used as a weapon against those who don’t agree with the majority view, but as a tool to ensure that laws and policy are decided fairly.
Parliamentary votes take place during debates on items of business in the House of Commons. Each item of business is framed in terms of a question, which is then “put” to the House by the person chairing the debate (usually the Speaker). This question is then subjected to a full and free debate, after which MPs are asked to vote on the matter.
MPs are elected at general elections to represent their constituents in the House of Commons. Most are members of a political party, but there are also independents. The leader of the recognized opposition party usually sits in the front row and is first given the opportunity to respond to a minister’s statement or ask questions during question period. There are also opportunities for MPs to propose motions on allotted and opposition days and to chair certain standing committees.
In a parliamentary system, the party that has the most MPs is invited by the King to form a government and run the country. The parties that have the next most MPs form the Opposition. MPs are grouped into a parliamentary group, called the parliamentary caucus, when they belong to the same political party. The group leader is often the Prime Minister.