The House of Commons is set to go into recess for nearly a fortnight from tomorrow despite coronavirus crisis – as MPs condemn plans to ditch ‘virtual’ sittings and make them attend The House of Commons is set to go into recess for nearly a fortnight tomorrow The break until June 2 comes a month … Read more
There is a fairground spookiness to Parliament at the moment. Most areas are boarded up or deserted. The long, high vaulted corridors of the Palace of Westminster are so quiet you can actually hear the nibs of the security guards scratching. But amid the unnerving hush, two eye-popping events played out yesterday in the House … Read more
Jeremy Corbyn, 70, turns up at the House of Commons on first day of ‘virtual Parliament’ to watch from the backbenches as new Labour leader Keir Starmer makes PMQs debut – despite advice for the elderly to self-isolate as much as possible The Islington North MP took his seat on the deserted backbenches today He … Read more
Andrew Gwynne, Labour MP for Denton & Reddishwatching PMQs with one-year-old grandson Lyle It was an historic moment as British MPs sat in a ‘virtual Parliament’ for the first time ever as the coronavirus pandemic rages in Britain. But politicians taking part in Prime Minister’s Questions from the safety and comfort of their own homes … Read more
MPs are today expected to agree to plans for a ‘virtual’ House of Commons which will allow 120 to take part remotely while the number in the chamber will be capped at a maximum of 50. If the ‘hybrid’ way forward is given the go ahead this afternoon the new way of working will start … Read more
Parliament sets up electronic voting so MPs can pass laws without being in the Commons chamber for the first time EVER as Westminster prepares to reopen remotely tomorrow MPs are to return to ‘virtual Commons tomorrow after Easter recess break Only around 50 of 650 MPs will attend in person under coronavirus safety plans Zoom … Read more
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle tells MPs to ‘stay away’ from House of Commons after calling for a ‘virtual’ Parliament Sir Lindsay Hoyle has urged Ministers not to put themselves and staff at risk Told MPs to stay home rather than travel to Westminster when Commons returns Comes after he urged Government to find ways for Parliament … Read more
Parliament will reopen digitally in little over a week’s time to allow ministers to face scrutiny over their much-criticised handling of the coronavirus pandemic, it was confirmed today. The House of Commons will sit on April 21, the scheduled end of its Easter recess, despite the UK continuing to be under a stringent lockdown. Ministers, … Read more
MPs demand Parliament set up ‘virtual’ House of Commons during coronavirus crisis after Welsh Assembly becomes first democratic chamber in UK to debate over Zoom Welsh Assembly held a virtual meeting this afternoon using Zoom software Assembly would normally now be in recess but is still sitting due to coronavirus MPs in Westminster are now … Read more
Green MP Caroline Lucas broke Commons rules by charging £150 a head for 30-minute personal guided tours of Parliament, standards watchdog rules Caroline Lucas has apologised for her actions following an investigation She offered the tours through a crowdfunding site to raise money last year Parliamentary tours cost £26.50 per adult, but are free for … Read more