Proceedings during the Pandemic

Explains the process for debate, including time limits for Back Benchers of four minutes. Advertises forthcoming amendments and urges Members to adhere to guidance on divisions.

Questions Jacob Rees-Mogg about the right of MPs to attend Parliament, especially those who are shielding due to health conditions. Argues that such MPs should not be disenfranchised.

Cites the Clerk's statement from the Procedure Committee, confirming that Members must abide by public health laws even if they are exempt under other Acts. Calls for clarification on medical exemptions and remote attendance rights.

Queries why today’s vote is not being conducted remotely, given that it involves a recall of Parliament.

Acknowledges the importance of physical voting to ensure that low-paid NHS staff are exempt from surcharges. Urges for an immediate return to full Parliamentary operations.

Requests clarification on representation rights, especially concerning Northern Ireland legislation in Committee debates and the upcoming discussion on abortion.

Mr Paisley pointed out the challenges faced by Ulster MPs in attending debates due to social distancing measures, suggesting that these measures may hinder effective debate and reduce parliamentary time available for discussion.

Mr Carmichael questioned why medically unfit Members who can participate virtually are not allowed to vote, challenging the principle of 'votes follow voices' as it currently stands.

Mr Kyle criticised the Leader of the House for bending rules to suit the Government's purposes, questioning the clarity around when people can participate virtually versus voting virtually.

Mr Grady expressed concern about the disenfranchisement of SNP constituents and highlighted that Members should not be required to disclose their medical conditions in order to participate.

Mr Shannon gave an example illustrating the difficulties faced by Northern Ireland MPs due to restricted flights, urging for advance notice of debates and votes to facilitate attendance.

Suggested that further consideration be given to the use of deferred Divisions to avoid scenes that might bring disrepute upon the House.

Asked why proxy voting is not acceptable for MPs who are shielding, referencing its acceptance for those on maternity leave. He emphasised the principle of proxy voting and questioned if it would be ruled out entirely.

Questioned whether constituents of MPs who must shield are considered worth less, suggesting that they may be less well represented in Parliament as a result.

Acknowledged the Leader's point but noted difficulties for Members from Northern Ireland due to limited flights. He asked if steps would be taken by the Government and airlines to ensure all Members could attend.

Argued that Parliament should set an example of best practice, expressing concern over excluding people from their responsibilities due to disabilities and suggested this undermines the authority to advise employers against similar practices.

Critiques the call list system during statements and urgent questions, suggesting it prioritises Members who are constantly online rather than those present in the Chamber. He expresses concern that this limits participation for those less frequent users.

Agrees with the Leader of the House's statement on the temporary nature of current measures but argues against the need for MPs to travel long distances just to participate in proceedings. He advocates for remote voting until the summer recess.

Challenges the Leader of the House's view, suggesting that Parliament should act professionally by questioning the Government remotely rather than physically attending. He cites historical precedents to argue for remote voting rights.

Questions whether an accurate estimation has been made regarding the number of Members who would be excluded from attendance if one tests positive, pressing the Leader of the House on preparedness for such scenarios.

Raises concerns about discriminatory practices against witnesses who must travel to London for committee appearances, questioning if virtual participation is truly available and fair.

Points out the inefficiency of interventions in a short debate time frame, suggesting it disrupts the flow of discussion.

Critiques the Leader of the House for not renewing temporary orders enabling remote participation. Questions the validity of risk assessments made by the Government, pointing out inconsistencies between statements in the House and public articles. Emphasises the risks faced by BAME staff and highlights that they are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Raises concerns about voting procedures and fairness, suggesting hybrid or remote voting alternatives.

Defends the need for physical presence in Parliament to ensure safety but acknowledges that current conditions are suboptimal. Expresses frustration at not being able to consult all Members and suggests deferring decisions until more testing can be done on alternative voting methods. Proposes allowing remote voting temporarily while finding a satisfactory physical voting solution.

Mentioned in passing without elaborating a full position, referring to a theme park reference by Karen Bradley as 'On the way to Oblivion.'

Mr Blackford urges Ms Bradley to move her amendments. He stresses the importance of ensuring all Members can participate effectively in Parliament during a pandemic without compromising their health or that of their constituents. He criticises the Government for forcing MPs to travel long distances at risk, highlighting the inefficiency and impracticality of returning to full physical operations when virtual proceedings are effective.

Mr Carmichael intervenes to correct Mr Blackford's statement about the duration of his journey, which is 18 hours. He expresses reluctance to make such long commutes during a pandemic and emphasises that staying in London would be irresponsible.

Ms Cherry agrees with Mr Blackford's assessment, stating that if the Government enforces these measures, it will create an unequal status among MPs where some are more privileged than others, reflecting a pattern of inequality seen recently.

The right hon. Member argues that the UK Parliament’s Select Committee on Procedure has called for remote voting to remain an option during the pandemic, citing significant deficiencies in the Government's plans to force MPs to physically return to Parliament. He mentions public health concerns like the situation in Singapore and emphasises the importance of hybrid proceedings to ensure all MPs can participate safely.

The hon. Lady calls for the right hon. Member to conclude his remarks, reminding him that time is limited and that other matters should be discussed outside of this Chamber.

The right hon. Gentleman expresses embarrassment at the way the right hon. Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber (Ian Blackford) addressed the Chair and argues against remote voting. He supports a transparent pairing system as an alternative to disenfranchising MPs who cannot attend due to medical advice or other circumstances.

The hon. Gentleman, while acknowledging his traditionalist views, argues that the current hybrid system is necessary and fair for all Members, especially those who are shielding due to health advice or childcare responsibilities. He criticises the Government's delay in bringing forward Bills and defends against claims of blocking Public Bill Committees from sitting.

The right hon. Lady, as Chair of the Select Committee on Procedure, supports remote voting but argues for transparency in the pairing system and emphasises that Public Bill Committees have been able to meet since April.

Agrees with the Government on remote scrutiny being inferior but argues for preserving virtual participation for those who cannot be physically present due to government instructions. Emphasises that votes should count equally regardless of method, highlighting the unfairness of excluding Members against their will when they are following government rules.

Suggests that public expectations and voting records might not suffice for explanations regarding pairing or medical conditions, implying the need for a system where constituents understand their representatives' positions clearly.

Reaffirms his opposition to the Government’s approach on voting, stating that Members are being excluded against their will due to government instructions. Announces support for amendments regarding remote voting.

Recalls past debates during EU membership discussions to highlight the importance of thorough debate in shaping votes. Criticises current restrictions as preventing full-blooded debate, urging for a return towards WHO recommendations on social distancing.

Supports the Leader of the House's view but criticises proposed measures as discriminatory. Argues that remote voting is necessary to ensure reasonable adjustments for Members with disabilities or health conditions.

Illustrates the difficulties faced by MPs from distant constituencies in attending Parliament regularly under current guidelines, arguing that such measures could marginalise non-London Members. Advocates for amendments to ensure fair representation across the UK.

Welcomes the Leader of the House’s commitment to ensuring participation in scrutiny but urges consideration of proxy voting as a solution to current voting issues.

He shared statements from other Members of Parliament who were unable to participate in the vote due to restrictions. They expressed disappointment over being denied a democratic opportunity, describing it as deeply undemocratic and unfair both for them and their constituents.