The impact of the lockdown is being felt by every household,
business and organisation in our country. Parliament is no different.
Last week we saw Parliament officially returning from the
Easter recess, but it was certainly a long way from business as usual. We saw a
small number of MPs sitting in the chamber with others, up to 120 MPs, being
able to ‘appear’ by video link. This enables MPs to question government
ministers both in the usual set question sessions such as Prime Minister’s
Questions, as well as raising urgent questions and in statements from
ministers.
MPs are being asked not to travel to London and attend
Parliament in person unless it is absolutely necessary for us to be there. We
are requested to remain at home, as we are asking the rest of the country to
do, unless it is essential for us to travel. I have no intention as things
stand to go to Westminster, unless something comes up that really does require
me to be there. But I will be seeking to engage as much as possible with
proceedings in the chamber from here in Cornwall.
As the number of MPs who can engage with proceedings from
home is limited to only around 20% of all MPs, it is necessary to register your
interest to participate at least 24 hours ahead. MPs are then drawn via a
ballot (which is often the way MPs are selected to ask questions) in order to
be one of those who connects via Zoom. Of course, everyone, not just MPs not
selected to appear via video link, can watch via the Parliament Channel on our
TVs at home.
Watching proceedings last week certainly brought home just
how different this is going to be. There was a very different atmosphere in the
chamber with so few MPs able to be present. In some ways this does feel
appropriate as it perhaps better reflects the mood of the country at this time
and just how sobering and serious the issues we face are. But there is no doubt
that although it at least provides some sense of Parliament functioning, it is
a long way from normal and will have limitations.
People are often not aware just how much an MP’s role in
Parliament actually takes place outside of the chamber. Whilst some committees
are meeting virtually, there is a still a great deal that is not able to
happen. There are all the informal and sometimes spontaneous meetings with
other MPs, government Ministers and officials that take place dozens of times a
day as we move around the Parliamentary estate. And as we are not voting in the
lobbies we miss the opportunity that provides to catch up with other MPs on all
manner of subjects.
So, while the Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, Leader of the House
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Whips and House authorities must take huge credit for what
they have enabled to be put in place to allow Parliament to function to some
degree, we must also accept this is a long way from a fully functioning
Parliament. I certainly hope that these measures will be very temporary, and we
can find a way to allow MPs to safely return to Parliament as soon as possible.
One issue that has not yet been resolved is enabling votes
to take place. As a result currently no legislation or business that requires a
division to take place (that is when not all MPs agree with what is being
proposed and MPs ‘divide’ into the aye and no lobbies) is able to be put before
Parliament. With important legislation needing to be passed in the coming weeks
such as the Finance Bill to implement the Budget, legislation on our new immigration
system along with important environment, agriculture and fisheries legislation,
that is vital as we leave the EU and other issues that I am sure that will
emerge in the coming weeks, it is vital we find a way for MPs to be able to
vote remotely if we are not able to return to Westminster for a prolonged
period.
This week I will certainly be aiming to participate in the
House of Commons via video link in order to represent our constituency in these
challenging times. Hopefully, I will be lucky enough to be selected in the
ballot and next week I can report on what it was like.
In the meantime, my important work here in the constituency
continues and if I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to get in
touch. You can find details on my website – www.stevedouble.org.uk
