What is a free vote?
A free vote is a vote in Parliament where MPs can follow their own conscience. They do not have to follow their party's instructions. Parties do not issue a whip. Free votes are usually held on moral or ethical issues, such as assisted dying, abortion or same-sex marriage.
Most votes in the Commons are whipped. Party whips tell MPs how to vote, and rebelling can cost them promotion or, in serious cases, the party whip itself. On a free vote, the party takes no official position. MPs from the same party often end up voting on opposite sides. Whips may still informally advise. Party leaders may still say how they will vote personally.
Free votes have shaped some of the biggest social changes in British law. They were used to abolish the death penalty in 1965 and to pass the Abortion Act in 1967. Same-sex marriage was approved on a free vote in 2013. In 2024 and 2025 MPs held free votes on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on assisted dying, which passed the Commons.
Free votes are often on private members' bills, which are introduced by backbench MPs rather than the government. Governments can also allow free votes on their own measures. Supporters say free votes let MPs act on principle. Critics say they let parties avoid taking a clear stance on hard issues. Some argue all votes should be freer, giving backbenchers more power over government policy.
Britain is split. Now you decide.
In WeDecide you can decide conscience issues like assisted dying in the Statute Book and see how voters respond.
Play WeDecide freeCommon questions
What is a whip in politics?
An instruction from a party on how its MPs should vote, and the officials who enforce it.
Was assisted dying a free vote?
Yes. MPs had a free vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
Why are free votes held?
Usually on matters of conscience where parties accept their MPs hold different moral views.