Warning that Westminster could become 'Covid hotspot'

Boris Johnson has been warned of Westminster becoming a “Covid hotspot” if hybrid proceedings are scrapped.

Since the beginning of the pandemic last year, MPs have been able to participate virtually in order to reduce the number of people on the parliamentary estate.

However, the measure was only extended until the end of the summer recess on July 22, meaning that MPs will not be able to participate remotely when they return to Westminster on September 6.

The SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford has now written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and to the Speaker of the House, Sir Linday Hoyle, to make the case for virtual proceedings to be continued.

In a letter, Blackford raised concerns that some constituencies may be left without representation at Westminster if any clinically vulnerable MPs are unable to attend due to health concerns.

‘The ending of remote participation also puts MPs who are clinically vulnerable – perhaps due to ill health, or they are pregnant – in an incredibly difficult position.’
Ian Blackford, SNP Westminster leader

Scottish MPs indicated last month that they would continue to wear face coverings and observe social distancing, despite lockdown rules being scrapped in England on July 19.

“The UK Parliament is a distinctly unique workplace whereby hundreds of members and staff need to travel from all around the country, mostly on public transport, to work in close proximity every week,” said Blackford.

“Despite the recent relaxing of restrictions by the Scottish Government and UK Government, both administrations have made it perfectly clear that we are not yet out of this pandemic and we need to proceed with caution.

“The availability of hybrid proceedings – where a MP can join the chamber or a meeting remotely – has worked for months and the decision to end this remote participation was taken prematurely.

“It leaves Westminster susceptible to becoming a Covid hotspot – with the risk that members will take Covid home with them to their constituencies, as well as leaving constituents needlessly under-represented if a member cannot attend Parliament.”

Blackford said that the continuation of hybrid proceedings at Westminster is “common sense”.

He added: “The ending of remote participation also puts MPs who are clinically vulnerable – perhaps due to ill health, or they are pregnant – in an incredibly difficult position.

“All of us want to move on from this pandemic and return to complete normality as soon as possible – but we can only get there if we proceed with care. Continuing hybrid proceedings in the UK Parliament is common sense.”