Conduct of debates UK Parliament Conduct of debates in the Commons Parliamentary procedure is based on custom and precedent, partly codified by each House in its Standing Orders. The system of debate is similar in both Houses.
Every subject starts off as a proposal or 'motion' made by a member.
This may be a substantive proposal or a motion to adjourn the House - in effect a debate that does not conclude with a substantive vote. During debates in the House of Commons all speeches are addressed to the Speaker or one of the Deputy Speakers. MPs speak from wherever they have been sitting and not from a rostrum, although front-bench members usually stand at one of the despatch boxes on the Table of the House. MPs may not read their speeches, although they may refresh their memories by referring to notes. In general, no MP may speak twice to the same motion, except to clarify part of a speech that has been misunderstood or 'by leave of the House'.