Glossary

A glossary of parliamentary terms

A-Z index of glossary terms

Use the letters below to reveal a list of glossary terms.

M

Term

Made affirmative procedure

The made affirmative procedure is usually only used in urgent cases. The timescales can vary but, typically, an SI of this type is made by the Welsh Ministers and comes into force almost immediately. However, the Senedd must approve the SI (usually within 28 days) for it to remain law.

Last Updated 20/05/2021

Subordinate legislation

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Term

Manifesto

This is a list of promises made by a political party, usually before an election. The manifesto suggests the things that a party will do if they are elected.

Last Updated 15/07/2020

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Term

Measures

During the Third Assembly (May 2007 – March 2011) the laws made by the Senedd were called Measures.

Last Updated 15/07/2020

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Term

Member Bills

From time to time the Presiding Officer holds a ballot to determine the name of a Member who may seek agreement to introduce a Member Bill. The ballot must include the names of all Members who have applied to be included and who have tabled the required pre-ballot information. Members who are also Cabinet Secretaries or Welsh Ministers may not enter the ballot. The result of the ballot is published on the Senedd website and announced by the Presiding Officer in Plenary.

Last Updated 21/09/2021

Proposed Member Bills

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Term

Member Debates

Time is made available by the Business Committee for motions to be proposed by any Member who is not a member of the Government. Member Debates have to be supported by at least two other Members, one of which must represent a different political party. Business Committee will select a motion for debate from among those tabled.

Last Updated 03/12/2020

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Term

Members of the Senedd

The Senedd is made up of 60 elected Members. 40 are chosen to represent individual constituencies and 20 are chosen to represent the five regions of Wales. Also referred to as MS(s).

Last Updated 15/07/2020

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Term

Minutes of proceedings

See Record of Proceedings.

Last Updated 22/07/2020

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Term

Monarch

In the United Kingdom the phrase monarch refers to the current King or Queen. In the uncodified Constitution of the United Kingdom, the monarch is the head of state. The decisions to exercise sovereign powers are delegated from the monarchy, either by statute or by convention, to ministers or officers of the Crown. This can include the Welsh Ministers for laws relating to Wales.

Last Updated 13/01/2023

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Term

Motion

A proposal made for the purpose of obtaining a decision from the Senedd.

Last Updated 15/07/2020

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