a notice from a group of MPs that they think action needs to be taken on a certain issue, serving notice that they intend to drive it forward and inviting other people to join in
a parliamentary petition which MPs may sign to show their support for its objectives or demands
a petition signed by MPs to signal their cross party agreement on an issue
a type of Parliamentary petition, aiming to raise awareness of the Bill, and of the Peace Tax Campaign
a way backbenchers can get proposed legislation onto the Westminster agenda
a way of bringing ideas to notice of Government - even though they have no chance of being called in debate
a colloquial term for notices of motions given by a member for debate "on an early day" but for which no date has been fixed. Few are actually debated. Generally, EDMs are a way by which members can put on record their opinion on a subject and canvass support for it from fellow-members.
EDMs are motions that are rarely debated but which are useful for raising awareness about a particular issue. One or more MPs put forward the motion, and other MPs who agree with it can add their name to it in support. Christian Aid only encourages the signing of cross party EDMs. Ministers, Junior Ministers and Shadow Cabinet Ministers do not sign EDMs.
Early day motion is a phrase used in the Westminster system for motions tabled by Members of Parliament for debate "on an early day". They are only very rarely debated on the floor of the Chamber of the House. EDMs remain open for signature for the duration of the parliamentary session.
