diff --git a/README.rst b/README.rst
index b8847bfb6..ace8ebdda 100644
--- a/README.rst
+++ b/README.rst
@@ -138,4 +138,4 @@ Issue tracking
 Issues with the Matrix specification are tracked in `GitHub
 <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues>`_.
 
-See `meta/labels.rst <meta/labels.rst>`_ for notes on what the labels mean.
+See `meta/github-labels.rst <meta/github-labels.rst>`_ for notes on what the labels mean.
diff --git a/meta/github-labels.rst b/meta/github-labels.rst
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f674b81b7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/meta/github-labels.rst
@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+The following labels are used to help categorize issues:
+
+`spec-omission <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/labels/spec-omission>`_
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Things which have been implemented but not currently specified. These may range
+from entire API endpoints, to particular options or return parameters.
+
+Issues with this label will have been implemented in `Synapse
+<https://github.com/matrix-org/synapse>`_. Normally there will be a design
+document in Google Docs or similar which describes the feature.
+
+Examples:
+
+* `Spec PUT /directory/list <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues/417>`_
+* `Unspec'd server_name request param for /join/{roomIdOrAlias}
+  <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues/904>`_
+
+`clarification <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/labels/clarification>`_
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+An area where the spec could do with being more explicit.
+
+Examples:
+
+* `Spec the implicit limit on /syncs
+  <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues/708>`_
+
+* `Clarify the meaning of the currently_active flags in presence events
+  <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues/686>`_
+
+`spec-bug <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/labels/spec-bug>`_
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Something which is in the spec, but is wrong.
+
+Note: this is *not* for things that are badly designed or don't work well
+(for which see 'improvement' or 'feature') - it is for places where the
+spec doesn't match reality.
+
+Examples:
+
+* `swagger is wrong for directory PUT
+  <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues/933>`_
+
+* `receipts section still refers to initialSync
+  <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues/695>`_
+
+`improvement <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/labels/improvement>`_
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+A suggestion for a relatively simple improvement to the protocol.
+
+Examples:
+
+* `We need a 'remove 3PID' API so that users can remove mappings
+  <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues/620>`_
+* `We should mandate that /publicRooms requires an access_token
+  <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues/612>`_
+
+`feature <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/labels/feature>`_
+--------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+A suggestion for a significant extension to the matrix protocol which
+needs considerable consideration before implementation.
+
+Examples:
+
+* `Peer-to-peer Matrix <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues/710>`_
+* `Specify a means for clients to "edit" previous messages
+  <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues/682>`_
+
+
+`wart <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/labels/wart>`_
+--------------------------------------------------------------
+
+A point where the protocol is inconsistent or inelegant, but which isn't really
+causing anybody any problems right now. Might be nice to consider fixing one
+day.
+
+
+`question <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/labels/question>`_
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+A thought or idea about the protocol which we aren't really sure whether to
+pursue or not.
+
+Examples:
+
+* `Should we prepend anti-eval code to our json responses?
+  <https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues/908>`_