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Virtual Participation in Debate
19 November 2020
Lead MP
Karen Bradley
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Parliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Karen Bradley raised concerns about virtual participation in debate in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Karen Bradley, speaking on behalf of the Procedure Committee, discussed the report advocating for virtual participation in debates for Members unable to attend physically due to the pandemic. She criticised the Leader of the House's reluctance to schedule a debate and expressed disappointment at the Government's failure to move swiftly on this matter despite evidence from right hon. and hon. Members across parties. The committee recommended extending virtual participation to all members who cannot participate in person. Bradley argued that the current situation, where the Prime Minister can virtually answer questions but MPs are excluded, is farcical. She urged for strategic changes rather than tactical fixes to ensure all Members can represent their constituents effectively.
Harriet Harman
Lab
Camden North
Question
Harriet Harman thanked Karen Bradley for her statement, expressing full agreement with it. She highlighted that 62% of MPs are currently excluded from debates due to proxy votes, and the figure is even higher at 78% for Scottish MPs. She urged the Government to allow all Members to speak in debates on equal terms.
Minister reply
Karen Bradley thanked Harriet Harman for her comments and acknowledged that around one quarter of Members are participating virtually in scrutiny proceedings due to pandemic restrictions. By March, this would have been nearly 12 months of exclusion from debate participation, which is unacceptable. She urged the Government to provide a chance for debate on this matter.
Andrea Leadsom
Con
South Northamptonshire
Question
Andrea Leadsom agreed with Karen Bradley and highlighted the need for more normality in Parliament so that MPs can fully hold the government accountable. She expressed concern over the current superficial sense of participation despite being able to ballot for everything.
Minister reply
Karen Bradley thanked Andrea Leadsom, acknowledging her past experience as Leader of the House. She reiterated the Committee's position on extending virtual debate participation and urged the Government to give time for a debate to allow the House to express its views.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
I am my wife’s carer. If I have to self-isolate after catching the virus in London, it is a difficult choice between my constituents and my wife. The current situation is extremely dangerous and corrosive to democracy.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right about how our democracy is portrayed. We introduced hybrid proceedings as an example for global participation but acknowledge differences in ability between virtual participants and those present. However, we should not preclude virtual participation from all proceedings.
Question
Should the balance be towards allowing maximum Members to participate rather than limiting debates?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend's view and contribution to the report; we should aim for full participation of all Members.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Question
Paragraph 33 of the report states that capacity exists but no request has been made for Standing Order changes. Does the right hon. Lady agree that these orders should be changed to allow full participation and exclude interventions?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman makes important points about the need for this provision to include Members who cannot attend due to health concerns, citing capacity evidence.
Question
Would it be sensible to have a system where Members self-isolating can verify their status via a doctor’s note to participate remotely?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend raises valid points about pregnant women and health conditions; the Leader of the House should consider allowing remote participation as advised by the Government for other workplaces.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Question
Does the right hon. Lady agree that the current situation has created two classes of MPs and that the perfect should not get in the way of good, especially during a pandemic?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady makes valid points about the temporary nature of these measures and the need for full participation until at least March, after which normal procedures can resume.
Question
Does my right hon. Friend urge the Government to consider that this is only a temporary measure and we must return to a fully operating Chamber as soon as possible?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend's view aligns with the Committee’s aim for full normalcy when possible, but current measures are necessary until the pandemic subsides.
Question
Why does the Leader of the House remain firm in his conviction that Members must be physically present to work?
Minister reply
I cannot answer for my right hon. Friend, but I hope he listens to the point that the House wants to have its say on this matter.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall and Bloxwich
Question
I place on record my thanks to the Chair of the Procedure Committee for their work. I also thank the Broadcasting Unit for being superb in supporting virtual Parliament contributions, noting that we are world leaders in this area. Paragraphs 28, 33, and 58 of the report highlight improvements in resilience, infrastructure readiness, and equality among Members' eligibility. The Procedure Committee Chair mentions Mr Speaker reporting by 14 December, and Valerie Vaz asks if there is any way to ensure that all colleagues can participate in upcoming debates on important legislation, including EU-related measures.
Minister reply
Karen Bradley acknowledges the praise for world-leading virtual Parliament contributions but notes that while we developed these facilities quickly, others have also adopted them. She pays tribute to Martyn Atkins for his significant work and confirms that if Government does not provide time for a debate, she will seek ways through the Backbench Business Committee to give the House an opportunity to discuss these matters.
Shadow Comment
Harriet Harman
Shadow Comment
Harriet Harman thanked Karen Bradley and fully agreed with her statement, emphasising the need for all MPs to be able to participate in debates whether virtually or physically. She highlighted that 62% of MPs are excluded from debates due to proxy votes, with this figure reaching 78% for Scottish MPs. Harman called on Bradley to support an amendment by Baron and Bryant to override the Leader of the House's motion.
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