Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Conduct of Business After the Whitsun Recess

20 May 2020 · 13 other contributors

Opened by Jacob Rees-Mogg Con North East Somerset

Parliamentary Procedure

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jacob Rees-Mogg raised concerns about conduct of business after the whitsun recess in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Mr Speaker acknowledges the efforts of Mr Speaker and the House Clerks in setting up hybrid proceedings post-Easter.
  • These temporary arrangements are
  • Mr Speaker acknowledges the efforts of Mr Speaker and the House Clerks.
  • Temporary arrangements limit legislative scrutiny.
  • Members are asked to return with social distancing post-Whitsun.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Jacob Rees-Mogg

Mr Speaker, I acknowledge the dedication of Mr Speaker and the House Clerks in establishing hybrid proceedings that allowed us to resume operations after Easter. However, these arrangements are temporary due to their limitations on legislative scrutiny. The time available for debating legislation is expected to decrease by two-thirds under current rules. To address this, members are being asked to return to work post-Whitsun with social distancing measures in place. Marianne Cwynarski's leadership has been instrumental in making the parliamentary estate a safe workplace. A new voting system ensuring 6-foot distances during divisions will be implemented. Members' staff and others will continue working remotely, while safety remains our priority.

Other contributors (13)
  • Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

    Question

    Carmichael questions whether duty of care can be discharged towards staff members while bringing back MPs on June 2nd. Reports suggest the motivation for this decision is to support the Prime Minister's weekly press conferences.

    Minister reply

    Rees-Mogg dismisses the criticism regarding the Prime Minister’s questions as trivial and focuses on the importance of democratic accountability. He asserts that proper scrutiny by returning to work safely is essential in a democracy, acknowledging the safety measures put in place for employees working at the House.

  • Valerie Vaz Lab Walsall and Bloxwich

    Question

    Vaz questioned if Public Health England was consulted before the decision to not renew temporary hybrid proceedings. She also raised concerns about safe travel for Members given reduced public transport service during the pandemic, emphasised the need for a phased return with proper social distancing measures, and inquired about whether observed levels of infection rather than fixed dates would guide decisions.

    Minister reply

    Rees-Mogg confirmed that Public Health England was consulted. He emphasised steps taken to ensure the parliamentary estate is covid-secure upon return after Whitsun recess, including a risk assessment by House authorities and measures for safety such as extra cleaning and availability of car parking facilities.

  • Selaine Saxby

    Question

    Saxby thanked Rees-Mogg for the work done to ensure a safe working environment. She suggested further improvisation in Westminster, like using more space, to enable full participation while maintaining safety.

    Minister reply

    Rees-Mogg acknowledged that MPs' physical presence is essential for effective scrutiny and legislative processes, citing examples of reduced productivity during remote sessions compared to typical physical sitting weeks.

  • Tommy Sheppard

    Question

    Sheppard criticised the proposal as reckless, cavalier, and dangerous. He questioned how it would affect Members with underlying health conditions or those who live far from Westminster.

    Minister reply

    Rees-Mogg stated that members of staff do not need to come in physically. He highlighted the need for business continuity and noted similar issues faced by other workplaces where remote working is insufficient.

  • Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central

    Question

    Esterson expressed doubt about the safety of returning, emphasising concerns about Members with underlying health conditions or those over 70 who should not be going anywhere.

    Minister reply

    Rees-Mogg reassured that staff do not need to come in physically. He encouraged MPs to stand with their constituents as others are doing.

  • Chris Grayling

    Question

    Grayling welcomed Rees-Mogg's comments and sought reassurance that the current model would not be applied to future projects such as restoration and renewal.

    Minister reply

    Rees-Mogg acknowledged the remarkable achievement of House authorities in a particular circumstance, but stated it is unlikely this way of operating would suit other situations.

  • Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett

    Question

    Twist asked about arrangements to ensure all Members can continue to take part fully in the work of Parliament, either in person or virtually.

    Minister reply

    Rees-Mogg confirmed that discussions are ongoing over Whitsun to help those receiving specific medical advice or instructed to shield participate in proceedings once we return.

  • Kate Griffiths

    Question

    Welcomed the commitment from the Leader of the House to ensure that vulnerable Members are not disadvantaged. Asked if similar arrangements will be available for Members who rely on grandparents for childcare.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged difficulties faced by Members and stated that Parliament is most effective when it meets physically. Noted that hybrid proceedings have limitations and that a physical return of the House in accordance with Government and Commons authorities recommendations will be organised.

  • Gavin Robinson DUP Belfast East

    Question

    Asked about remote voting for Members from Northern Ireland due to travel constraints.

    Minister reply

    Stated that physical voting is important for a normal Parliament. Noted incompatibility of hybrid systems and preference for a return to physical proceedings.

  • Karen Bradley Con Staffordshire Moorlands

    Question

    Requested reflection on the resolution passed on 21 April allowing virtual participation with parity for all Members, asking if it will be amended or rescinded.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged the Procedure Committee's work and noted that while the motion stands, subsidiary motions may lapse. Emphasised importance of following House procedures.

  • Jo Gideon

    Question

    Asked about advising MPs on new measures to protect them before they decide whether to return early.

    Minister reply

    Stated that discussions are ongoing with the Procedure Committee and other Members, and any changes will require a motion in the House.

  • Steven Bonnar

    Question

    Expressed concerns about undermining public safety messages by insisting on physical presence for voting.

    Minister reply

    Noted that proposed measures align with Government guidelines and stressed ongoing efforts to ensure safety at the House of Commons.

Shadow Comment

Alistair Carmichael

The shadow criticises the decision for MPs to return post-Whitsun, noting that yesterday saw a rise of 545 deaths from COVID-19. He argues that online scrutiny is inadequate but safer than risking the health of MPs and staff. There are approximately 3,000 employees supporting the House of Commons. Carmichael questions whether duty of care can be discharged towards these staff members while bringing back MPs on June 2nd. Reports suggest the motivation for this decision is to support the Prime Minister's weekly press conferences.

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