← Back to House of Commons Debates
Proceedings During the Pandemic (No. 4)
02 September 2020
Lead MP
Rees-Mogg
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 18
At a Glance
Rees-Mogg raised concerns about proceedings during the pandemic (no. 4) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall and Bloxwich
The Labour Party supports the motion, recognising that it is necessary given the ongoing difficulties caused by the pandemic.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Welcomes the Leader of the House for tabling this motion and urges colleagues to support it. The current arrangement, while sub-optimal, is necessary given the guidance from the Government on workplace operations during the pandemic.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North
The SNP fully supports the continuation of provisions for virtual participation until 3 November to allow Members to prepare properly and mitigate pressures on Chamber services due to local lockdowns and shielding restrictions in various parts of the country.
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Disagrees with the consensus, criticising the current arrangement as the weakest House of Commons ever seen. Argues for a functioning House to handle significant decisions in October regarding economic recovery, Brexit negotiations, and potential second wave of covid-19.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supports extending these measures until 3 November but argues for better methods of addressing burning issues related to the economy, Brexit, and responding to a possible second wave of covid-19. Pledges support for constituents in navigating business challenges under the current uncertainty.
Robert Syms
Con
Poole
Disappointed that despite returning from recess, the number of MPs allowed in the Chamber remains at 50. Believes current measures are not proportionate and undermine civil liberties. Argues for more regular debates on these matters.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Questions whether the current measures, such as social distancing, are proportional given past pandemics like Hong Kong flu which led to 80,000 deaths. Expresses skepticism over necessity of stringent restrictions.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Supports having a debate on the matter but urges flexibility if Government guidance changes before November regarding potential adjustments to parliamentary operations based on new evidence.
Christchurch
Agrees with previous speakers and criticises lack of scrutiny in decision-making, citing recent examples like the sudden extension of tenant eviction restrictions without proper assessment. Emphasises the importance of timely reviews based on emerging evidence.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
Con
Wokingham
Defends current arrangements as necessary for setting an example to the nation and maintaining public health guidelines. Explains that while numbers are currently limited, this is under Speaker's discretion based on Public Health England advice.
Steve Brine
Con
Hampshire Fareham
Argues Parliament is missing out on important debates and scrutiny due to current limitations. Expresses concern that the House is not functioning as it should, despite staff returning to work in SW1.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Surprised by the comparison drawn between Members' presence in the Chamber and the spontaneity of oral Question Time. Emphasised that spontaneity is lost even with remote participation, and unlucky ballot members are silenced.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
17:40:00
Encourages more Members to be present but acknowledges the permissive nature of remote participation. Supports facilitating remote participation for those in local lockdowns until confident there will not be further local lockdowns.
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Agrees that vulnerable Members should still have the ability to participate remotely, but argues for proper testing of every Member daily to restore spontaneity in the House.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
17:40:00
Responds to David Davis by explaining that a negative test result does not guarantee one is clear, as they may have caught the virus prior to testing.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Argues against the effectiveness of testing in any form and suggests either fully accepting or completely disregarding it.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
17:40:00
Explains that 14-day quarantine ensures one is clear, while those with symptoms need to self-isolate for seven days. Emphasises the importance of remote participation for vulnerable Members and maintaining social distancing within the Chamber.
John Redwood
17:40:00
Suggests looking at optimising seat usage in the House to allow more spontaneous participation, questioning current rules restricting certain seats.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.