Backbench Business

I fully support the Leader of the House’s remarks on accessibility, recognising it as central to our duties. While we must consider physical changes to the building, it is equally important to improve procedural understanding for all users and visitors. I welcome recent improvements in document clarity like the Order Paper reform but stress that any simplifications should not compromise the dignified aspect of parliamentary proceedings.

I remind all speakers to focus on accessibility within the context of current procedures and practices rather than discussing restoration and renewal. The debate should remain centred on practical steps for enhancing accessibility in the House.

Daniel Francis, as the chair of the all-party parliamentary group for wheelchair users and the APPG on access to disability equipment, highlights several issues with accessibility in Parliament buildings. He raises concerns about accessible routes within the building, availability of rooms for disabled groups, and the outdated standards of Changing Places toilets in Portcullis House. He also notes that other public places such as the National Portrait Gallery have modern facilities, whereas Parliament lags behind. Francis emphasises the need to improve accessibility both in terms of physical infrastructure and booking procedures.

Chamberlain highlighted the complexity of parliamentary procedures and advocated for clearer, more accessible processes. She praised the House Administration's constructive response to the Modernisation Committee’s report but stressed that progress on accessibility issues would take time. She cited examples from her constituency work involving people with disabilities and emphasised the importance of accessibility in Parliament's restoration and renewal plans. Chamberlain also discussed procedural improvements such as nodding through interventions, reflecting on the impact of virtual participation during the pandemic on building relationships in Parliament. She concluded by emphasising the need for continuous assessment to balance parliamentary traditions and public understanding.

Thanked the Leader of the House, the shadow Leader of the House and others for starting the debate. Paid tribute to former MPs and thanked those who contributed to evidence sessions. Emphasised that accessibility issues should not impact MPs' ability to do their job or deter prospective MPs from standing. Highlighted the need for cross-party agreement on learning from disabled people's experiences in Parliament. Suggested establishing an accessibility group including disabled MPs and considering challenges faced by disabled visitors. Discussed procedure changes, such as call lists and reasonable adjustments, while advocating for proxy voting and digital systems during high-vote periods. Stressed the importance of making parliamentary language accessible without losing traditions.

Acknowledged the Modernisation Committee's proposals on accessibility and procedures but shifted focus to criticising the restoration and renewal proposals for Parliament, calling them 'ridiculous and ruinous'. Asked Madam Deputy Speaker or the Leader of the House to confirm when a full debate on these multibillion-pound proposals would be held.

Acknowledges the work of the Modernisation Committee and expresses respect for Queen Elizabeth II. Emphasises the importance of balancing parliamentary duties with personal commitments, especially during family crises. Criticises current proxy voting rules as inadequate and inhumane, citing his own experience of having to choose between attending a crucial vote on assisted dying and being present for his father-in-law's death. Urges for more compassionate and sensible changes to the system.

Paid tribute to the work of the Modernisation Committee and highlighted issues with proxy voting, accessibility in parliamentary procedures, and gender representation among speakers. She detailed examples of MPs' difficulties due to physical disabilities and pregnancy-related health issues during debates and voted, emphasising the need for reasonable adjustments and technological improvements.

Acknowledged contributions on accessible toilets and diversity of experience among wheelchair users. Suggested two-stage debate process for Restoration and Renewal to allow thorough discussion before a decision, thanked Adam Jogee for his remarks on the assisted dying private Member's Bill, and commended the Committee and Leader of the House for their work.

Francis praised Campbell's work on the Modernisation Committee, emphasising the importance of personal experience in addressing accessibility issues. He mentioned problems with booking and changing places facilities, highlighting the need for improvements and investigations.

Chamberlain discussed the challenges during ping-pong sessions and the need to inform Members about progress. She stressed the importance of evolving procedures while being cautious, noting the impact of covid on parliamentary work and the increased demand for speaking time.

Vince highlighted the importance of accessibility for all and making politics accessible. He emphasised the need to proceed with caution while implementing changes, noting that new Members often think change will happen quickly but realise why procedures are in place.

Tice questioned when a debate on Restoration and Renewal would occur. Campbell assured him that there would be a debate, emphasising the need for Members to absorb the report before making decisions.

Jogee discussed specific issues such as proxy voting and the unusual circumstances of private Member's Bills. He advocated for reflection on these matters and changes where necessary to improve accessibility.

Coombes highlighted the high turnover of MPs, noting that 80% now have less than seven years' experience. She emphasised the importance of varied backgrounds and experiences while acknowledging the loss of institutional memory.

On Tuesday evening, during a series of votes in the House, the electronic voting system failed. Despite multiple reboots and attempts to resolve the issue, the system displayed vague messages such as “Cannot connect to essential module” and was unable to effectively communicate with users. This failure led to significant delays and reduced public confidence in the democratic process.

The issue that caused the electronic voting system to fail on Tuesday evening has been identified by the Parliamentary Digital Service and rectified. A review of the incident is underway, focusing on identifying lessons learned and implementing additional resilience measures for future incidents. The House officials facilitated a prompt transition to paper-based voting, ensuring minimal disruption to proceedings.