Even Tories think Commons is now an ‘embarrassing shambles’ – Ian Swanson

The decision to force MPs to attend Commons in person to vote in a giant conga line is absurd, writes Ian Swanson.

MPs are observing social distancing, making for a queue of more than one kilometre when they come to vote (Picture: Jessica Taylor/AFP via Getty Images)

THE House of Commons has some weird and wonderful ways of doing things – but however antiquated or anachronistic they may be, they can usually be put down to ancient tradition or quaint custom.

But there was nothing quaint or traditional about the ludicrous scenes of MPs queuing in a physically distanced line snaking for more than 1km around the precincts of Westminster, waiting to vote in person when they could have been safely at home, doing it remotely.

The Commons “conga” was all down to the Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg, often referred to as the Member for the 18th century. He revels in his reputation for traditionalism and adherence to strict parliamentary procedure.

But Commons staff had gone to great efforts to allow parliament to continue its work in scrutinising government and holidng ministers to account despite the Covid lockdown by making good use of technology and allowing MPs to take part in proceedings by Zoom. It first allowed them to ask questions and make speeches and eventually also to vote.

It was accomplished at unprecedented speed for an institution where change usually takes many years. MPs said the new system was not perfect, but it worked and was getting better.

However, after just a few weeks, Mr Rees-Mogg has decided to ditch the “hybrid” arrangement where MPs could choose to take part in the chamber or via Zoom, telling his fellow representatives they should be setting an example to the rest of the country as the lockdown began to be eased.

In fact, even the UK Government’s advice is still that people should continue to work from home if they can – and should avoid public transport wherever possible.

But instead, Mr Rees-Mogg is encouraging MPs to leave home and travel from all four corners of the UK to London, potentially putting themselves and others at risk of catching coronavirus in the process.

Edinburgh East SNP MP Tommy Sheppard, an outspoken critic of Westminister’s strange ways, has called for electronic voting to be made permanent.

The PCS union, which represents around 800 parliamentary workers including clerks, security guards and kitchen staff, has complained the premature demand that MPs return to Westminster is putting their members’ lives at increased risk.

Even Tory backbenchers have labelled the queuing to vote an “embarrassing shambles” and “absurd”.

And when Business Secretary Alok Sharma was taken ill at the dispatch box, it seemed to emphasise the dangers involved. He had recently had a 45-minute meeting with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, raising further concerns. Although he tested negative for the virus, the point had still been made.

In a partial concession, Mr Rees-Mogg has said MPs who are “clinically vulnerable” can take part by video and have a proxy vote – but he did not extend that right to vote to those caring for vulnerable partners.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Parliament is sticking with hybird working and committing MSPs to “virtual” meetings once a week right through the summer recess.

And ironically, just as MPs are forced to return to Westminster, peers will start to hold hybrid meetings. That leaves the Commons so far behind the times it’s even behind the Lords.

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