MPs will be allowed engage in Select Committees remotely, in response to the Coronavirus crisis.

Following a letter signed by a cross-party group of MPs, the Speaker of the House will introduce new measures to allow MPs to take part in select committees remotely.
Geraint Davies, Swansea West MP said: “MPs across the country have taken the government’s advice to self isolate but must be able to continue to represent their constituents and hold the government to account.

“Our Parliament and democracy must function in light of this crisis. We have asked our constituents and businesses to adapt by working from home and we should do the same.

“MPs should not repeatedly travel from all corners of the UK to and from the coronavirus epicentre in London putting themselves and constituents at risk and adding to the pressure on our NHS.

“Therefore, following our letter to devise systems for our democracy to operate remotely it’s good news that MPs will be able to engage through technology in Select Committees.

“I hope this will be a first step in remote democracy that enables us to ask questions in the Chamber, vote and hold debates. This tragic pandemic will force Parliament to become more flexible and digitally empowered for the twenty first century”

The letter, sent on Wednesday, March 18, also asked that MPs who are forced to isolate, due to Coronavirus, are also able to engage in debates, ask questions and vote.