Measures allowing MPs to attend Parliamentary business virtually from their constituency or home are under review and likely to be scrapped next month, despite the fact that over two thirds of the electorate support MPs being able to operate more remotely.
Would a more virtual parliament encourage more people to become MPs? We speak to @HelenPankhurst from @CentenaryAction about their new report and we hear the views of @libdemdaisy https://t.co/3i5Y62ZSUh pic.twitter.com/SlmCQnuhIv
— BBC Woman's Hour (@BBCWomansHour) February 24, 2021
Campaigners insist that retaining remote technology will allow MPs to participate while balancing health, home, travel or constituency responsibilities.
Since the first wave of the pandemic MPs have been allowed to take part remotely in House of Commons proceedings to advocate on behalf of their constituents.
This step forward has brought about a welcome change in public perceptions and now, according to a recent YouGov poll nearly 7 out of 10* support its continued use for health, disability or caring reasons.
But in a move which harks back to the olden days, authorities could sweep away parliament-by-zoom next month and replace it with a binary choice – come to Westminster or don’t take part in democratic proceedings.
Today Centenary Action has launched The Remotely Representative House report, advocating for the new ways of working to be retained when needed.