Early day motion
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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.
EDMs can be tabled on matters ranging from trivial, even funny, topics to those of epoch-making importance. The censure motion by which the Labour Government of 1974-79, lead by James Callaghan, was ejected had its origin in an Early day Motion (no. 351 of 1978-79), put down on March 22, 1979 by Margaret Thatcher.
Examples of trivial issues covered include EDM 1255 in the 2003-2004 session of the UK Parliament tabled by Tony Banks, which concerns itself with a disclosure by MI5 that it had proposed using pigeons as flying bombs during World War II. The motion condemned the proposal, describing humans as "obscene, perverted, cruel, uncivilised and lethal", and proposed that the House "looks forward to the day when the inevitable asteroid slams into the Earth and wipes them out thus giving nature the opportunity to start again". It was only signed by two other MPs — Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell.
EDMs tabled on serious topics include those tabled demanding the release of Nelson Mandela when he was incarcerated in apartheid South Africa. One that is currently receiving all party support is EDM 1198 concerning Decennial Census records.
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