LONDON (UK) -The British Parliament plans to recommence some proceedings next week, according to the Speaker of the House of Commons.
This will be done by a modification of the centuries-old institution to a largely virtual space.
The British government has requested the parliament to begin its Easter break a week early last month in order to suspend sitting for at least four weeks with growing fears of politicians and staff being put at risk for coronavirus by continuing to work there.
Many British lawmakers and ministers have either tested positive for the virus or had symptoms forcing them to self-isolate, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson currently recuperating from COVID-19 complications.
Opposition parties have called for the return of the parliament as soon as possible to ensure the scrutiny of the government’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
“Planning for certain parts of House business to be taken virtually is progressing well.”
– Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker
The plan was for oral questions to ministers and the urgent questions and statements to take place each sitting day via videolink with a live broadcast.
“The scale of the challenge means there are bound to be bumps along the way, but once these proceedings have been judged to be delivered in a satisfactory and sustainable way … then the House can consider extending the model to other proceedings.”
– Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker
Some lawmakers have been holding sessions on a trial basis via online videolink over the Easter break.
The proposals shall be discussed this week by committees responsible for parliament’s procedures and administration before it is put forth to the House of Commons before its return on April 21.
While a few lawmakers would have to be physically present for the approval of the proposals, parliament is seeking to minimise the number of people needed in-person to ensure meeting social distancing guidelines.
Hoyle also asked parliament’s digital team to work on a system of remote voting as a “matter of urgency” to be used if lawmakers chose to move to one.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.