Motions under Standing Order 40

Before members can debate them, most motions must have at least a day's notice so that members know they are coming up for a discussion. Sometimes, however, critical public issues arise quickly. When this happens, members may move a motion urging the government to do something about the urgent issue. At other times, members might want to be seen to be throwing their support, without hesitation, behind an important achievement or cause. In either case, members must give unanimous consent under Standing Order 40 to consider a motion dealing with the urgent matter, and to do this, they give the Assembly notice of their plans under Notices of Motions. An urgent motion is called a motion under Standing Order 40, and unanimous consent is requested after oral question period.