Amid the coronavirus crisis, the first day back to the House of Commons was opened by the Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who introduced the concept of a “hybrid” parliament. In this new environment, some MPs will be in the chamber, while others can connect via video link.
To keep things running as smoothly as possible in this difficult environment, up to 50 MPs will be allowed in the chamber, sitting away from each other according to social distancing guidelines. The new arrangements will be in place until the 12th of May, but they could remain in place for longer.
This update is part of a raft of changes designed to help parliament continue operating during the coronavirus outbreak. Other measures will include virtual meetings and reduced sitting hours.
Embracing Virtual Work Strategies
MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg said that the government is looking into new ways of extending virtual ways of working and creating new legislation for businesses. Karen Bradley, Chair of the Procedure Committee said that there’s no substitute for members being actually in the chamber. However, the new practices are certainly better than nothing.
Going forward, the House of Commons is likely to be a very different environment for the weeks to come. There will be no votes going on right now, although electronic options may be introduced in the future. What’s more, MPs have been asked to dress the part when video conferencing from home.
MPs have been urged to participate in the House of Commons from home as much as possible. According to Sir Lindsay, the people who actually attend the chamber won’t be at any advantage to their colleagues.
According to authorities, setting up the new remote working system with video conferencing will cost around £148,793, but it will cost approximately £369,267 to maintain these new operations. Remote working strategies will also be implemented at the House of Lords, where some debates (non-legislative) will take place virtually.
Adapting to a New Way of Work
The Commons Procedure committee has said that it was appropriate for Sir Lindsay to have asked the authorities to examine whether digital voting might be suitable for a limited time period. The committee has also addressed concerns about the ability that MPs will have to hold governments to account in this new environment.
Until further notice, Parliament will only be sitting for three days a week, with Friday and Thursday conversations removed completely. MPs are currently calling for limits placed on written questions to be sent to ministers to be relaxed, so that more scrutiny can occur.
