Temporary order—Divisions
Notice of motion
Mr David Michael (Leader of the House) gave notice that at the next sitting of the house he would move:
That the following temporary order, amending standing order 139 relating to divisions, applies for 2025:
Procedure for division
139. When a division has been called for—
(1) Strangers will withdraw from the chamber.
(2) The Speaker will order the division bells to be rung.
(3) The Speaker will state the question and direct members to exit the chamber and re-enter through the door behind the Speaker's chair.
(4) The Speaker will direct the 'Ayes' to pass to the right of the chair and the 'Noes' to pass to the left of the chair to be marked off as they pass the Clerks' Table.
(5) The Speaker will appoint at least one teller for each side.
(6) After voting, members may either resume their seat or leave the chamber.
(7) Voting will continue until the Speaker is satisfied that all members present have voted.
(8) The tellers will sign their respective list, and the Speaker will declare the result of the division.
(9) Standing Orders are suspended to the extent necessary to affect these arrangements.
The Speaker (Mr Stephen Price) (12:06 pm): Members, just for your information, until such time as the temporary order that alters the procedure for divisions is in place, divisions will proceed in accordance with the procedure in the standing orders, including that the doors will be locked after the bells have rung for two minutes. For previous members and new members, that means you will have to come inside the chamber and sit on your side of the chamber to be counted by the tellers—not the COVID-inspired change that the Leader of the House just spoke about. It is the old method. Come inside and go to the side of the house that is the yes or the no vote.
