MP looks forward to ongoing discussions
Yesterday in the House of Commons John Baron MP secured an Urgent Question from the Speaker to ask the Leader of the House, Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, about virtual participation in debates for those MPs with proxy votes. At the moment, though MPs with proxies may take part in scrutiny proceedings, such as Urgent Questions, Oral Questions and Statements, they may not take part in debates. John has a proxy vote as he is shielding with his wife who is deemed to be ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’.
In the Chamber, John asked if the Leader would give a Statement about participation in debates. The Leader responded that following a review he would soon be bringing forward a motion enabling MPs who were clinically extremely vulnerable to take part in debates.
John then asked,
“I welcome this announcement, in so far as it goes…Many colleagues across the House will also be pleased at the announcement. However, he is still excluding Members who are shielding with wives, husbands or partners who are themselves clinically extremely vulnerable. This exclusion is insensitive to family situations, and I ask him to think again…I suggest that there is little room for procedural purity in a pandemic. Will he therefore meet me, virtually, so that we can discuss this further?”
The Leader of the House responded that he would be happy to discuss these matters further with John. He acknowledged that the current situation presented difficulties with those with family responsibilities and obligations, but said that there are constraints on what can be done. The hybrid Parliament earlier this year led to truncated sittings, with ministers not held accountable, and legislation was not proceeding. In the Government’s view, unlimited remote participation is not possible.
John said afterwards,
“It is essential that MPs are able to fully participate in the business of the House of Commons, including those of us who are ill or who are protecting members of our household who are shielding. If there are amendments to working conditions or practices which can be implemented, they should be made, and I look forward to my ongoing discussions with the Leader of the House.”
Notes to Editors:
• Full the full transcript of the Urgent Question, please see: https://bit.ly/3pCPv6I.
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