Thread by @RuthFox01

The deteriorating #Covid_19 situation raises important questions about the role of Parliament in the coming days. @HouseofCommons is adjourned until 5 Jan & it can only be recalled by the govt (my @HansardSociety blog explains why: hansardsociety.org.uk/blog/demands-t…) 🧵(1/12)

If the @HouseofCommons is recalled, due to #Covid or negotiations with the EU, there's no provision for virtual proceedings to apply to legislation. MPs can vote via proxy on SIs or a bill, but they can only participate in a debate on legislation if they are in the Chamber (2/12)

The only way currently for MPs to take part in a debate on Covid-SIs or a Bill enshrining a deal with the EU will be to travel to Westminster in Tier 4. Is this wise given the PMs statement about the severity of the situation and the announcements in Scotland & Wales? (3/12)

A temporary Order could have been agreed as a stand-by, in case it was needed, to facilitate a resumption of full virtual proceedings, to be implemented at the discretion of the Speaker. The @HansardSociety recommended this in the Summer. hansardsociety.org.uk/publications/s… (4/12)

But the govt has persistently failed to make contingency plans for a resurgence of the virus. The virtual technology cannot be used by MPs to debate Statutory Instruments or Bills remotely without them first having to meet physically to decide on such arrangements (5/12)

Given the time constraints, particularly to agree a bill enshrining a treaty with the EU, a motion for the immediate resumption of full virtual proceedings could be agreed. A quorum of 40 MPs (incl tellers & Speaker) would have to be present in the Chamber to secure it. (6/12)

But that will require the @CommonsLeader to lay such a motion before the House. He thinks virtual proceedings are ‘an imitation Parliament’ and MPs must do their duty & set an example by being at Westminster. Will he change his mind given the deteriorating Covid situation? (7/12)

The Covid Tiers/Xmas provisions were voted on by MPs so amending / overturning them without any parliamentary consideration until 5 January or later, raises serious questions about democratic scrutiny & accountability (8/12)

Any deal with the EU will be implemented via a Bill. Its contents will significantly influence the course of the UKs economic & foreign policy towards the EU for decades. In the limited time available as many MPs as possible should be able to take part in the debate. (9/12)

Technology could facilitate scrutiny by as many MPs as possible, and do so at low risk. Virtual proceedings are less satisfactory than normal parliamentary proceedings. But they are a necessary accommodation to circumstances to ensure the govt can be held to account. (10/12)

This once again reveals the extent to which the govt of the day can exercise an unacceptable degree of control over how the @HouseofCommons works. Only the govt can recall Parliament & only the govt can move a motion to facilitate full resumption of virtual proceedings. (11/12)

Erskine May states that @CommonsLeader has a ‘special responsibility’ to ensure business arrangements ‘have regard to what is right and proper in the interest of the House as a whole’. In the circumstances, it would be indefensible not to resume full virtual proceedings. (12/12)

In the debate about the role of Parliament & restoration of full virtual proceedings it's important to remember this is not just about MPs. More MPs in Westminster = more staff in Westminster. As @FDAGenSec, whose union represents some parly staff, notes

https://twitter.com/FDAGenSec/status/1340616443675734023