Rees-Mogg plan for Commons attacked

GOVERNMENT plans to make MPs vote in person during the coronavirus crisis have been branded as “beyond a farce” amid concerns they will discriminate against shielding politicians.

Commons Leader and West MP Jacob Rees-Mogg tabled a motion yesterday preventing the resumption of virtual voting, which allowed MPs to have their say from afar during the pandemic.

If the House approves the plan today, MPs may have to form kilometre-long queues in order to obey social distancing rules when voting - despite the Lords planning a move online.

Mr Rees-Mogg, the MP for North East Somerset, argued that democracy would “once again flourish”, having been “curtailed under the hybrid halfway house” which allowed MPs to take part in debates and vote remotely while up to 50 were in the chamber.

And he insisted that the Government is working to establish how shielding MPs could continue to take part.

But the Electoral Reform Society said: “If this goes ahead, it is beyond a farce.

“It is unacceptable when there is currently a safe, secure and speedy option for voting available: remote/digital voting. MPs have already used it and it works.

“Since some MPs are shielding and are not safe to travel in person, these plans - if confirmed - pose a real threat for democratic representation and political equality.”

Senior Tories including Robert Halfon, the chair of the Commons education committee, who is currently shielding, have called for virtual proceedings to continue for those who need them.

Labour and opposition parties have tabled an amendment to the motion seeking to retain remote voting.

Shadow leader of the

Commons Valerie Vaz said:

“Jacob Rees-Mogg’s discriminatory proposals would result in two classes of MPs.”

Dame Margaret Hodge, the 75-year-old Labour MP, said she is “furious” that she was being “denied the right to vote” on Tuesday because she is deemed vulnerable.

She accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson of being on a “mission to end” digital voting, tweeting: “This damaging move will limit accountability & create a toothless Parliament.”

The Government’s motion requires voting to take place in person at the Palace of Westminster and that MPs must follow Public Health England guidance. The mechanics of voting would then be left down to Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to set out.