Our online Parliament will fulfil its duties

The Commons has always evolved to make sure it can work efficiently and hold ministers to account

At a time when much uncertainty and concern hangs in the air, the nation is proving its calm resolve and ability to respond to change and adapt. The response to the Government’s message to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives has been remarkable.

In a small number of places around the country, however, some are having to do their best to keep moving. As sure as the tide recedes and the tide returns, Parliament will be sitting once more from tomorrow. While much around us changes, this pillar of our constitution holds fast.

The panelled walls of the Commons chamber will not reverberate with the sound of hundreds of “hear hears”, nor will a flock of order papers be fluttered, nor will the occasional well-crafted taunt wing its way across the benches to pierce a political opponent’s armour.

While up to 50 MPS will be allowed into the chamber, as many as 120 at any one time may participate virtually. All are encouraged to take part from home. Parliament will look different, but Parliament it will be and its vital functions will be fulfilled.

The nation is sacrificing many liberties during this lockdown and, as a result, the number of new cases of coronavirus has begun to fall. The NHS has been given the time to build capacity, which, under the stewardship of the Health Secretary, has been achieved. Everyone who needs treatment for Covid-19 has received it, and NHS Nightingale hospitals stand ready to look after many more if required.

With Parliament sitting once more, MPS will be able to hold the Government to account. The plethora of concerns and enquiries from constituents trying to navigate this extraordinary period will be raised with ministers, and answers found.

At the same time, the vital legislative agenda – each bill a package of promises made to the electorate that this Government is determined to keep – will be debated. The Conservatives made a commitment to level up, build new infrastructure, tackle crime, improve education and, of course, boost the NHS. A virtual Parliament will provide the opportunity for the Government to deliver for the people.

In these challenging times, we are fortunate to have a wise Speaker, for, as Solomon said: “Wisdom is the principal thing.” A man with a proper appreciation of the traditions of the chamber, he was among the first to recognise that only by radical change could we conserve the essence of Parliament during the period of the lockdown.

Parliament has always evolved to make sure it can work efficiently; parliamentary procedure is not an end in itself but a means to allow the institution to function successfully. Any changes now will be temporary, for the period of the lockdown, because, like many things, the chamber works best when members can meet in person.

From this week, if the House agrees, we will resume oral questions, statements and urgent questions virtually. Shortly after, debates will recommence and the Government will be continuing with its legislative agenda. Mr Speaker will be in his chair and the mace in its rightful place at the table but members will participate using the powers of Zoom.

Members have an ancient right to attend in person for good reason and they cannot be prevented, but I know that the majority will see that this virtual arrangement will allow them to minimise the pressure on House staff and to follow the same rules that apply to their constituents.

The new digital Parliament will not be perfect. Ministers will freeze, members will launch forth into fine perorations only to be muted or snatched away altogether by an unreliable internet connection.

Yet we must not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. This is only a temporary system and normal functioning will resume before too long. The parliamentary authorities have done a superb job to get this up and running at such short notice.

In 1349, the Black Death forced Parliament not to sit. Today, we can do better thanks to technology, Mr Speaker and a determination to keep our democracy going.