Labour and opposition parties have today tabled an
amendment, seeking to retain the arrangements which allow MPs to
participate in Parliament on an equal basis regardless of their
personal circumstances during the Covid-19
emergency.
Labour reaffirms our support for remote voting and hybrid
virtual arrangements and will support any reasonable proposal
tomorrow, such as those made by the Conservative chaired
Procedure Committee, to achieve this end.
MP, Shadow Leader of the House,
said:
“Jacob Rees-Mogg’s discriminatory proposals would result in
two classes of MPs. Those who can physically attend and those
unable to owing to the Government’s own rules, including having
an underlying health condition or shielding
responsibilities.
“The abolition of the hybrid remote parliament which
allowed all MPs to take part regardless of their personal
circumstances is discriminatory and would not be acceptable in
any other workplace.
“We remain ready to work with the Government and all
parties to reach a consensus that would allow all MPs to
participate on an equal basis.”
Ends
Notes to editors
Full text of the motion:
Dr
As an amendment to the motion
Leave out from “That” in line 1 to end of line XX [end of
para 3] and insert
“(1) until the Speaker states that the ordinary conduct of
divisions and deferred divisions is consistent with relevant
public health guidance and advice and with the legal duties of
the House of Commons Commission and the Corporate Officer or the
House otherwise orders–
1. Standing Orders Nos. 38, 40 and 41A
(save as provided for in the temporary order of 22 April (Conduct
of remote divisions)) shall not have effect;
2. if the opinion of the Speaker or
the chair as to the decision of a question is challenged, they
shall direct that a remote division or, as the case may be, a
remote deferred division, take place;
3. the temporary order of 22 April
(Conduct of remote divisions) shall have effect;
(2) this House requires a Minister of the
Crown, no later than Monday 8 June, to move a motion proposing
arrangements for virtual participation by hon. Members unable to
attend at Westminster for medical or public health reasons
related to the pandemic.”
Explanatory Memorandum
This amendment would retain remote voting and require the
Government to bring forward proposals for members who are unable
to attend due to their personal circumstances to participate
virtually for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic.
