What happens in the Debating Chamber

The Chamber is the place where all Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) can meet to debate and make decisions.

Meetings of the Parliament are chaired by the Presiding Officer or by one of the Deputy Presiding Officers (DPOs).

More detailed guidance is available which explains how the Parliament conducts business in the Debating Chamber.

What can Chamber business include?

Chamber business can include:

debates – these are discussions between MSPs about an issue or Bill
First Minister’s question time, when MSPs question the First Minister
other question times, when MSPs question members of the Scottish Government
amending Bills
ministerial statements - speeches made by members of the Scottish Government to inform or update the Parliament

What is the role of the Presiding Officer in the Chamber?

The Presiding Officer (PO) or a Deputy Presiding Officer (DPO) chairs meetings in the Debating Chamber. When chairing meetings, the PO or DPO must act impartially. When chairing a meeting, the PO or DPO:

calls MSPs to speak
decides how long MSPs can speak for
asks the questions that MSPs need to decide or vote on
responds to any “points of order” raised by MSPs - a point of order is a question about whether the Parliament’s rules have been properly followed