Virtually in the House
Parliament has been abruptly thrust into the 21st century in recent months, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the centuries-old institution into new ways of working.
Set up within a few weeks, the 'hybrid Parliament' allows up to 50 MPs at any one time into the Commons Chamber to take part in proceedings as normal. The virtual part of the system involves MPs voting electronically, meeting via Zoom and speaking in debates from their living rooms. During a crisis, and established under great pressure, the system has largely done its job. I say largely because there have been hiccups, not least Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, voting against a Government amendment to the Agriculture Bill by clicking the wrong button.
But from the start of June, following orders from Leader of the Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg, the virtual system will be switched off. Instead, MPs will be expected to be all present and correct, albeit socially distanced. The official line is that returning to the workplace will set an example for citizens that it is the right thing to do to go to work, under certain safety measures. Rees-Mogg's view is that the virtual aspect of the hybrid system simply isn't effective enough, and that it cannot be delivered in perpetuity. Sceptics claim that returning MPs to Parliament is merely a ploy to bolster the Prime Minister, who's famously rather less buoyant without his parliamentary party close by. Whatever the reason, the move has been severely criticised by other Conservative MPs, as well as opposition parties. Critics claim that the Government guidance advises working from home where possible, and that the virtual set-up puts Westminster into this category. While it may not be perfect, Parliament can get its job done online, unlike a building site or indeed a print floor. Many add that returning to work will threaten the lives of their colleagues and families. Others worry that MPs in more vulnerable categories will be penalised as they won't be able to return at all. One such member is Shadow Disabilities Minister, Vicky Foxcroft, who is shielding due to rheumatoid arthritis. Without the virtual system she will be unable to take part in proceedings.
It will still be the case that only 50 MPs at any one time will be allowed in the Chamber due to social distancing rules. So, with virtual capacity lost, there is potential for engagement to actually reduce. It's also true that a lot of time could be wasted due to the practicalities of adhering to the social distancing measures. For example, queues to vote could stretch hundreds of yards through corridors as MPs stand two metres apart.
Whether these practicalities can be overcome, and overcome safely, will become clear over the next week or two. Rees-Mogg has reportedly suggested to the House of Commons Commission that MPs on the green benches be separated into plexiglass chambers, each with an individual oxygen supply. While many of us would enjoy this spectacle, whether it would be an improvement on the hybrid Parliament remains to be seen.
