Centenary Action has coordinated a cross-party letter signed by 36 MPs to the Speaker of the House of Commons calling on him to ensure all MPs can continue to participate in parliament, either virtually or in person.
The proposed recall to Parliament in person flies in the face of government advice to work from home unless it’s impossible to do so. It places unfair obstacles in the way of those who live a long distance from Westminster, those who are shielding or caring for those who are and anyone trying to educate their children at home alongside working.
The recent introduction of the hybrid parliament during the pandemic with some members in the chamber and others on ‘zoom’ has been good for democracy. Policymaking and scrutiny has continued despite widespread lockdown. The recent second reading of the Domestic Abuse Bill showed how well this could work with those not able to attend still having a chance to contribute.
A rapid return to a physical parliament is in danger of dragging parliamentary democracy backwards and far away from the modern working practices that everyone else in the country is managing to use.