| Early Day Motions (EDM) | - An Early Day Motion (EDM) is a type of MP's petition, which asks for an issue to be treated at the earliest possible moment. Each EDM has up to six sponsors. Every time a new MP adds their name to a motion it is published in the daily Order Papers of the House of Commons.
- EDMs are rarely discussed. Their main use is for creating publicity, in local papers for example. MPs with a government responsibility will not sign EDMs.
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| Private Members Bills | - At the start of each new session of Parliament, there is a ballot amongst MPs to have the opportunity to introduce a Private Members Bill. Those chosen will be allotted time in the Commons to do so. Usually, only the top six MPs have a real chance to see their Bill through the legislative process.
- There is a limited time available for Private Members Bills and they can be 'talked out' by other MPs who oppose the bill. The government may decide not to oppose a Private Members Bill, or to allow parliamentary time for it, if it supports the bill.
- Even if the bill runs out of parliamentary time, it can be a very good way to raise the profile of an issue, and put pressure on the government.
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| Ten Minute Rule Bills | - MPs are allowed to introduce a Ten Minute Rule Bill on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. These are when an MP speaks for ten minutes on why a certain Bill is needed. These rarely get anywhere but they offer good opportunities for publicity.
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Adjournment debates
| - These occur in the Commons at the end of every day. The speaker chooses the subjects for debate and the MP is allowed to speak for 15 minutes. These debates often occur late at night, so national media does not always pick them up. Local papers could follow them up. The debates will appear in the weekly Hansard. For more information click on Parliament link.
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The notes on the types of bill are courtesy iVillage.co.uk
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