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MPs to sit in ‘virtual’ parliament


The House of Commons will sit virtually for the first time next week after MPs were granted permission to quiz ministers via Zoom during the coronavirus crisis.

The main political parties and parliamentary authorities struck an agreement on Thursday to change Commons rules in order to allow a “hybrid” arrangement, which will see 120 MPs participate in proceedings using the video conferencing service. Up to 50 will remain in the chamber, following guidance on social distancing.

MPs will still have to approve the rule change in person when they convene on April 21 after the Easter recess, but the vote is expected to pass without opposition. If successful, the plans would allow MPs to participate in the Commons from afar for the first time in parliament’s 700-year history.

The hybrid parliament will work only for urgent questions and statements by the government. Votes must still take place in person. 

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker, who has led the negotiations, said the hybrid solution was the quickest option and a step towards a fully virtual parliament once technical capacity in Westminster was increased. Video conferencing services have limited capacity to cope with large numbers of participants, and there are 650 seats in the Commons.

“We are enabling members to stay close to their communities, while continuing their important work scrutinising the government,” Sir Lindsay said.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of the Commons, said virtual sittings meant parliamentary business “will run smoothly with the minimal necessary attendance in Westminster”.

“These measures will make it possible for parliament to continue its work of conducting scrutiny, authorising spending and making laws — all of which are essential to tackling coronavirus,” he said.

If approved next week, MPs will participate remotely in Prime Minister’s Questions on April 22, although Boris Johnson will not be in the chamber as he is recovering from coronavirus at Chequers, his country residence. 

The first task is to approve the Finance Bill, which enacts the spending and taxation measures set out in February’s Budget. Several pieces of Brexit-related legislation must also be passed.

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Screens will be placed in the Commons chamber in order for the Speaker and other MPs to see their virtual colleagues. MPs are requested not to use visual props or objects, such as banners and placards, to draw attention to themselves when connected remotely.

Commons authorities hope to extend remote participation to other debates and motions. There is no expiry or renewal date for the virtual parliament.

MPs want to carry out division lobbies remotely or through proxies, but provided no details about how they might achieve it. Sir Lindsay has previously suggested MPs could vote in smaller numbers while observing social distancing guidelines.

Cyber security experts have raised concerns about whether Zoom video conferencing service is secure enough for government business. But the National Cyber Security Centre has advised it is “appropriate” for parliamentary business that is also televised. 

Select committees already operate remotely using Zoom, with the Treasury and Home Affairs committees holding virtual hearings over the Easter break. From next week, Commons authorities said there would be the capacity to hold up to 20 meetings a week.



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