What is an EDM and why are they useful to us?

An Early Day Motion (EDM), is a notice of motion for which no day has been fixed for debate.
The tabling of an EDM is a device to draw attention to an issue and to elicit support for it by inviting other MPs to add their signatures: an MP would not expect their EDM to be debated. MPs can also table amendments to existing EDMs.
EDMs, amendments and names of signatories are circulated in the Vote Bundle, the daily working papers of the House of Commons. EDMs can often attract a great deal of publicity, and many people regard them as a gauge of opinion.

Although the majority of EDMs are never considered for debate, the group of EDMs known as 'prayers' may be debated. Prayers are motions to annul or revoke Statutory Instruments, and include the form of words 'that an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the [title of legislation], a copy of which was laid before this House on [date], be annulled.'

For more information visit http://edm.ais.co.uk