The Early Day Motion is a device by which backbenchers 
can put debating points across in a written form. The 
motion is printed in the day's parliamentary papers, with 
little expectation of a debate. However, it is a useful 
indication of the House's strength of feeling on some 
subjects, because other MPs who agree with the 
proposer can add their name to the motion, which is then 
reprinted in the next day's papers.

Recent growth in the number of Early Day Motions has led some 
to describe them as 'parliamentary graffiti' - though those which attract a large number of names can lead to a debate, or even legislation. They are also a useful source of information for Party Whips.