MPs call for urgent review of hybrid Parliament measures

Prominent MPs from across all political parties have submitted a letter to the Leader of the House of Commons urging him to initiate a review of hybrid Parliament measures.

The letter, signed by 33 MPs including Dr Lisa Cameron, Chair of the APPG on Disability, Maria Miller and Dawn Butler, and supported by Centenary Action (a cross-party coalition led by Helen Pankhurst campaigning to remove the barriers to women’s representation), calls on the Rt Hon Jacob Rees Mogg MP to evaluate what lessons have been learned from virtual measures introduced after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and to consider how the House can ensure best practice arrangements are retained long-term.

Read the letter in full here

Having led the way internationally in terms of its ability to adapt to restrictions enforced by the pandemic, the government is set to abolish measures which allowed MPs (predominantly Disabled MPs and those with caring responsibilities) to still participate while balancing health and caring responsibilities.

MPs and campaigners argue that the introduction of hybrid measures has shone a spotlight on the lack of accessibility, diversity and inclusivity currently in play at Westminster. They warn against returning to antiquated ways of working which have proven to be a major deterrent to women and Disabled people entering politics, groups which are vastly underrepresented in Westminster.

Women make up only 34% of MPs and less than a quarter of cabinet ministers.  Black, Asian and ethnic minority women, Disabled women and those with caring responsibilities continue to experience further barriers to political representation, even once elected.

Westminster has long been criticised for excluding those with health issues or disabilities. According to a YouGov poll commissioned by Centenary Action earlier this year, nearly 60% of British adults and over 70% of young people (aged 18-24) feel that Disabled people are underrepresented in British politics. That same poll revealed that two thirds of the electorate supports the continuation of virtual measures.

Businesses across the country are institutionalising more flexible ways of working, with the government itself promoting this to help levelling up. A recent report found that 71 percent of UK workers want flexible work options to stay after the COVID-19 crisis has passed.

With the plans for Restoration and Renewal of the Palace underway, campaigners urge that now is the time to seize the opportunity to allow more accessibility and flexibility. Better working arrangements open the field for more under-represented candidates – women, Black, Asian and ethnic minority and disabled people – to stand for election.

“We are not advocating that virtual proceedings should take the place of in-person parliamentary business. However, this country desperately needs more diverse representatives, including more Disabled MPs and those with caring responsibilities, who make up a substantial proportion of the population. It’s a step back if the measures that have made politics more accessible are now abolished.”

— Sarabajaya Kumar, Centenary Action and former candidate for the Greater London Assembly

“The UK Government has been promoting its levelling up agenda, but parliament also needs to level up and ensure politics is accessible to all, including those with disabilities and other protected characteristics.

 

The last 16 months have proven the impossible is possible, with digital and flexible procedures implemented across the Parliamentary Estate- there is no reason why hybrid arrangements should be withdrawn for those who need them, including those who are clinically vulnerable or with childcare commitments.

 

The continuation of hybrid procedures would allow for diverse cohorts of Parliamentarians in future terms and this should be welcomed.”

— Dr Lisa Cameron, Chair of the APPG on Disability

“I find it bizarre that all the learning from the hybrid Parliament is being abandoned. A hybrid service would be necessary to deal with an autumn or winter surge of Covid and some virtual access to Parliament should be made available, on a targeted basis, to members with a disability or illness as well as for those with caring responsibilities.

 

Removing all aspects of the hybrid Parliament misses the opportunity to make politics more inclusive.”

 

— Dr Philippa Whitford MP, SNP Westminster Health Spokesperson

Notes:

**An exclusive YouGov poll conducted for Centenary Action showed that 67% of adults support MPs being allowed to participate remotely in Parliament after the COVID-19 pandemic if unable to attend in person (e.g., for health reasons, caring responsibilities, disability status).

Figures are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,756 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 10th – 11th February 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).