What is an Early Day Motion (EDM)?

Early day motions (EDMs) are tabled by MPs to publicise a particular event or cause, and to gather support among MPs for that issue. MPs demonstrate their support for an EDM by signing the motion.

EDMs demonstrate support for an issue in Parliament and build wider public interest to a campaign or cause.

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Can anyone sign an EDM?

Most MPs can sign an EDM but Ministers, Government Whips, Parliamentary Private Secretaries, the Speaker and his deputies normally will not sign EDMs.

EDMs are only motions tabled in the House of Commons and therefore Peers in the House of Lords are also unable to sign.

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