More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
For the first time in 700 years of Westminster history, members of the House of Commons will hold ministers to account via an online video link.
Members of Parliament representing Kent constituencies are set to sit with their colleagues in a hybrid House, which will use Zoom video call software to enable the continued functioning of democracy in the age of social distancing.
If the proposals are approved by parliamentarians on their return from Easter recess on Tuesday, the virtual tool will allow MPs working remotely to be present in the chamber via a number of screens set up in the Commons.
Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, says she is looking forward to see how the modernised procedures for the Commons will work.
She said: "A vast proportion of what MPs do is casework so individuals have continued to be supported while Parliament has been operating in lockdown and during Easter recess.
"However resuming with a virtual parliament so we can question ministers and speak in debates is going to be really interesting. I have watched with interest while colleagues on committees have been trialling the technology and I think at this stage no one quite knows how it will work in the chamber yet.
"I am not due to speak on anything next week, regardless of whether in person or virtually, so I shall see how it all works before hopefully, if I can catch the speaker’s electronic eye, asking questions the following week."
The moves towards a new way of working during the Covid-19 pandemic will allow up to 120 MPs to take part in proceedings virtually at any one time, while around 50 MPs could remain in the chamber itself under strict social distancing rules.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle 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."
If the new measures are approved it will mean that from Wednesday some legislators 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.
To ensure all taking part - whether in person or online - are treated equally, those joining via the Zoom platform will be told not to display or draw attention to objects to illustrate their contributions to the proceedings in the House.
Reacting to the decision to allow colleagues to join in remotely, South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay said: "We continue to face extremely challenging circumstances due to coronavirus, so I welcome the steps the Speaker of the House of Commons and others are taking to allow Parliament to continue to fulfil its important constitutional duties.
"It's looking like this will mean holding virtual proceedings of the House so we can continue to respect the instructions on social distancing. It's important that MPs are able to hold the Government to account."
If the functioning of the hybrid proceedings is judged a success, Westminster authorities say the House of Commons will consider extending the model to debates on motions and legislation as quickly as possible.
It will also be up to MPs to decide on any potential move towards a system of remote voting in divisions of the House.
Dartford MP Gareth Johnson acknowledged there may be some hitches along the way, but he welcomes the innovative use of technology.
He said: "This hybrid plan is probably the most effective way of enabling the Government to be held to account under the current circumstances. There will inevitably be some teething problems but MPs have a lot of faith in the Speaker, Lyndsey Hoyle, to make this as fair as possible.
"It will be an unusual sight for MPs to be video linked in to the chamber but in these unprecedented times it is right that we use modern technology to keep people as safe as possible."
Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone and the Weald, said: "It is right that Parliament uses modern technology to function in a virtual way during this time of unprecedented national crisis.
"Crucially, this allows MPs to represent the concerns of our constituents and hold the Government to account whilst also observing the very important social distancing instructions."
