Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

House Business during the Pandemic

04 June 2020 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

Parliamentary Procedure

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about house business during the pandemic in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The debate focuses on the conduct of parliamentary affairs during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Alistair Carmichael expresses concern over risks to Members, their families, and constituents from in-person attendance.
  • Carmichael criticises the Government's delay in implementing measures for remote participation and voting.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

The debate focuses on the conduct of parliamentary affairs under the circumstances of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Alistair Carmichael expresses concern over the risks posed to Members, their families, and constituents by attending in person, citing recent events where a Secretary of State struggled with physical attendance and potentially exposed others to infection. He also criticises the Government's delay in implementing measures for remote participation and voting, highlighting the need for urgent discussion on these matters.

Other contributors (1)
  • Nigel Evans

    Acknowledges Alistair Carmichael's request for a debate under Standing Order No. 24 and confirms that the matter is proper to be discussed. Announces that the debate will take place on Monday, and further details regarding timing will be provided later.

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