Proxy Voting

Asks if there is a way to enable someone to vote on very short notice due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.

Raises concerns about the potential abuse of proxy voting, suggesting that many Members who have proxy votes may not be genuinely ill or shielding but are using it for convenience. He asks for a firm commitment from the Leader of the House to address this issue.

Responds to Edward Leigh by referencing evidence from the Procedure Committee report which suggests that issues related to understanding proxy voting rules have been minimal and are decreasing as Members become more familiar with them.

Questions whether there is appropriate social distancing during a division, citing observations of inadequate measures.

Thanking the Leader of the House for his efforts to ensure legislative scrutiny, he reiterates that constituents believe there is not an excess of such scrutiny given recent measures.

Announces that the Procedure Committee agreed on a short inquiry into the use of call lists and time limits, encouraging Members to contribute to this inquiry.

Supported proxy voting during pandemic and criticised the current system as inadequate. Recommended reinstatement of electronic remote voting for Members unable to attend due to public health reasons.

Acknowledged the importance of evidence provided by Valerie Vaz in their report on proxy voting during the pandemic. Committed to reviewing expansion of proxy voting beyond parental leave once pandemic restrictions are lifted.

Called for restraint and quick contributions from Members to ensure everyone has a chance to speak in the debate.

Praised improvements on proxy voting for parental leave but expressed disappointment at lack of expansion to cover illness or bereavement. Suggested this was a missed opportunity.

He emphasises the distinction between proxy voting for parental leave and proxy voting as a response to coronavirus. He points out inconsistencies in public health messaging, advocating for remote voting, full virtual participation, and better use of technology.

She supports the motion on the Order Paper but expresses reservations about proxy voting for coronavirus. She highlights that the current system is unreliable and not robust, suggesting a return to remote voting as it was efficient and safe during the pandemic.

Argues that proxy voting is a result of human laziness and undermines parliamentary integrity. Proposes alternatives such as additional voting terminals to address safety concerns. Advocates for traditional in-person voting and criticises the current system's restrictions on questioning Ministers.

Supports enabling more Members to participate remotely but emphasises that virtual participation is not a substitute for being physically present. Criticises the use of call lists and urges caution in extending proxy voting beyond family obligations, advocating for better rules regarding support from Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

Supports motions on remote voting and attendance, highlights cultural challenges in understanding pairing arrangements. Emphasises the importance of in-person voting for engagement with Ministers but acknowledges the need for flexibility during the pandemic to ensure diverse representation and accessibility.

Intervenes to point out that social distancing makes it difficult to engage privately with Ministers, affecting the traditional benefits of in-person voting for accountability.

Emphasises the importance of considering lockdown levels if necessary. Acknowledges the need for more support for families and mentions the appointment of an interim chief executive at IPSA. Highlights concerns about remote voting due to wi-fi reliability issues. Praises Tommy Sheppard's effectiveness in-person versus online, stressing MPs' role as key workers. Thanks Valerie Vaz for her support on motions.