Last week we saw something that most of us probably never imagined we’d see – and 1 or 2 of my colleagues probably wish they’d still not seen: proceedings in parliament conducted by video link. I have to say I was sceptical it would happen as it never had before in Parliament’s 700-year history (granted, the technology wasn’t always available during that period). The traditionalism in a lot of us meant that we probably had a natural leaning to Parliament coming back as normal, with MPs social distancing. But with every other type of organisation being encouraged to have people work at home if possible, at the beginning of last week the necessary measures were put in place for MPs to.
What we have now is what is being called a hybrid model – a combination of virtual and physical presence. Up to 120 MPs can take part in any 2-hour period by video link and up to 50 MPs can be physically in the House of Commons. All of us have been encouraged to remain in our constituencies if we can and that it is what I have done, so I joined parliamentary proceedings last week from our home in the Didcot area.
First up for me was a meeting of the Education Committee, which I am a member of. Every time you watch a Committee meeting you should know that a test has already taken place beforehand at which all the members connect from the place they’ll use when the meeting takes place, so as to ensure there are no issues with the broadband connections and hence the relatively smooth running of the televised proceedings. The main business for us was questioning Vicky Ford, a minister in the Department for Education, on the Department’s response to Coronavirus. This was a wide-ranging session and, with schools closed, I was particularly keen to ask about the DfE’s plans to tackle the gap in progress and attainment between the poorest children and the rest, which is already known to rewiden over the summer holidays. All worked smoothly.
By the time you read this, I should have asked Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, a question about the inconsistent approach of supermarkets to the members of our community who are shielding (pictured above). More tricky, I should have hopefully given a speech in the debate about the Domestic Abuse Bill, which was set to be debated on Tuesday. All from my desk!
So, Parliament can function like this after all, but I am not sure it is anyone’s preference. Like everyone else, I think we’re all keen to be back face-to-face with our colleagues as soon as possible.
