What is Erskine May?

Bible of parliamentary procedure is the glue that holds the UK’s unwritten constitution together

Houses of Parliament
(Image credit: Richard Baker/In Pictures via Getty Images)

Known as the “bible of parliamentary procedure”, Erskine May has served as the authoritative guide to conventions in Parliament for nearly two centuries.

It is “often referred to but rarely read”, said one of its co-editors, Sir David Natzler. The rulebook plays a vital role in maintaining the conventions that hold the UK’s unwritten constitution together.

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