MPS TO RETURN TO COMMONS AFTER SCRAPPING VIRTUAL DEBATES
MPS will return to the Commons next month after the Government pressed ahead with scrapping virtual parliamentary debates.
Opposition MPs urged the continued use of video links.
But Jacob Rees-Mogg said MPs have a “duty” to return and are not a “special priestly caste” who should be treated differently from other workers in the UK.
The Commons leader insisted the building will be “Covid-19 secure” by next month and members – who broke for the Whitsun recess yesterday – will be expected to take their place in the chamber from June 2.
Mr Rees-Mogg said the
existing hybrid Parliamentary proceedings – which involve most MPs contributing via video link – do not provide sufficient scrutiny of policy.
He said: “We are facing exactly the same issues as other workplaces where working from home is not good enough,.
“These are not unique to us. We are in the same situation as the rest of the nation. We should stand with our own constituents.”
He assured MPs: “We will not be returning to the crowded, bustling chamber of old, we will be observing social distancing.” But opposition parties said MPs with health problems and those who live far from London would be left without a chance to take part in scrutiny of the government.
Liberal Democrat Alistair Carmichael, who represents Orkney and Shetland, said he would have to journey of “almost the entire length of this country” to participate.
He said he found the virtual arrangements “artificial”, but added: “If it’s a choice between that and putting the safety of members, their families and staff of the House at risk, then that is no choice at all and it should only end when safe to do so.”