Early Day Motions
What is an Early Day Motion?
An Early Day Motion, or EDM, is a short written statement submitted (“sponsored” in Parliament-speak) by one or more MPs expressing a view about something. EDMs can be about anything: opposing a Government policy, raising awareness of a rare medical condition, or even congratulating a local football team or business.
Once an EDM is tabled, it can be signed by other MPs. Members of the Government are banned from signing EDMs, and Opposition front-benchers normally won’t sign either. Some EDMs are only supported by members from one party, while others are all-party EDMs with support from across the House of Commons
EDMs are not debated in Parliament and don’t have any legal force. But they are often covered in the media and watched by the Government. They can be a good test of opinion among Parliamentarians.
EDMs are always written as one sentence and have a limit of 250 words.
Why should I ask my MP to sign an Early Day Motion?
Early Day Motions are an excellent opportunity to raise an issue with your local MP. An EDM provides a framework for engagement; if you write to your MP to ask them to sign an EDM against terrorism in Israel, it gives you an opportunity to explain about terrorism, and Israel, and why your MP should care about it.
Additionally, it is always good for a positive EDM to gather more signatures, as tt demonstrates parliamentary support for the point of view in the motion.
If you ask your MP to sign an EDM, always include its number. Even if your MP is a minister, you can still write to them pointing out the EDM, explaining the issues, and expressing confidence that they would sign if they could.