LONDON (UK) – The British parliament is looking into how it could operate virtually and scrutinise the government even without the physical presence of lawmakers for debates, according to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle.
Parliament had shut down last month a little earlier than usual for its Easter break. This came as the government ordered sweeping restrictions on daily life with citizens under strict orders to stay at home to limit the coronavirus spread and to commute to work only if absolutely necessary.
These measures have effectively shut down government scrutiny without teleconference political debate protocols in place. The need to replace the archaic debate system that currently exists inside the Westminister Palace has not been more than now.
The return of Parliament is scheduled for 21st April but restrictions beyond that date are expected.
Lawmakers who have been in self-isolation due to coronavirus symptoms will be frozen out of debated even if the parliament will be back on schedule.
“Once the House returns, if we are still in the grip of the crisis where the physical presence of Members, or too many Members, in the Palace is not appropriate, I am keen that they should be able to participate in key parliamentary proceedings virtually.”
– Lindsay Hoyle in a letter to Jacob Rees-Mogg, the government’s leader in the Commons
Hoyle reported that committee meeting trials over teleconferencing were successful. He has requested officials to look into how similar technology can apply to the main debating chamber of the Parliament.
While the Speaker cannot unilaterally implement these changes, his requesting of Rees-Mogg will put them forth to parliament for approval.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.