Approval has been given to allow up to 120 MPs at any one time to
take part in proceedings virtually, while around 50 could remain in
the chamber under strict social distancing rules.
There is an expectation that fewer MPs will be present in the
Chamber as many will have difficulties getting to Parliament.
All Members are encouraged to work virtually, especially as any
MP in the Chamber will be treated the same as one appearing
virtually and would only be called to speak if listed.
The Leader of the House of Commons, commented: “These
measures will make it possible for Parliament to continue its
work of conducting scrutiny, authorising spending and making
laws - all of which are essential to tackling coronavirus.
"I am extremely grateful to Mr Speaker, for showing the
leadership necessary to make this happen; to the parties, who
have worked together constructively to ensure next week’s
business will run smoothly with the minimal necessary
attendance in Westminster; and to House staff, for working so
hard over the Easter break to make these changes technically
possible.”
'Hybrid' House of Commons
The unprecedented step towards a ‘hybrid’ House was taken by
the House of Commons Commission - on which the Speaker, Leader,
Shadow Leader and an SNP spokesperson sit - in a bid to keep
democracy going during the coronavirus crisis.
The historic measures will still need the approval of MPs when
they return from Easter recess on 21 April.
The hybrid model was developed at speed and chosen as an
achievable first step towards a virtual Parliament – having the
benefit of meeting current technological capacity.
Speaker , who chairs the Commission
and instigated the measures, praised the House authorities,
Broadcasting Team and Parliamentary Digital Service for their
incredible efforts to achieve so much in a short time.
But he said he was concerned that MPs and staff returning to
the Parliamentary estate took great efforts to keep themselves
safe and well, while observing Public Health England advice,
during the continuing pandemic.
"This is our contribution to the guidance of stay home,
protect the NHS and save lives"
Sir Lindsay said:
“By initiating a hybrid solution, with steps towards an
entirely virtual Parliament, we are enabling Members to stay
close to their communities, while continuing their important
work scrutinising the Government.”
“I do not want Members and House staff putting themselves at
risk. By working virtually, this is our contribution to the
guidance of stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
How virtual meetings will work
If the new measures are agreed, it will mean from Wednesday, 22
April, some MPs will be able to take part in Prime Minister’s
Questions, any urgent questions and statements via video link
for the first two hours of each sitting day.
A number of screens will be placed around the chamber to allow
the Speaker and MPs present in the chamber to be able to see
their ‘virtual’ colleagues.
To ensure all Members are treated equally, those joining by
Zoom will be expected not to display or draw attention to
objects to illustrate their contributions.
The Commission noted that if a Member is called “but cannot be
heard or seen for technological reasons, it should be possible
for them to be called later in the proceedings and that there
can be no opportunity for interventions and no points of order
should be raised when hybrid proceedings are underway."
'The House will consider extending the model to debates
on motions and legislation'
The Commission was told that once the delivery of the hybrid
proceedings is judged satisfactory and sustainable, the House
will consider extending the model to debates on motions and
legislation as quickly as possible.
It will also be up to the House to decide on any change to a
system of remote voting in divisions of the House.
The Commission was also told that thanks to staff who enabled
virtual Select committees to take place during the recess, it
would be possible to support as many as 20 virtual committee
meetings a week from 20 April.
