Parliament adapts practices due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Article summary

The speakers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords have jointly decided to take some measures to preserve the operation of Parliament. Both Houses will return on 21 April 2020 after having been in recess since 25 March 2020. A video link will be provided to MPs in order to take part in Prime Minister’s Questions, urgent questions and statements. The model might be extended for debates on motions and legislation if it is judged satisfactory. A system of remote voting may also be developed. This operating model has to be approved by the House of Commons Commission on Thursday 16 April 2020. Other steps will enter into force on 17 April 2020, such as restricting access to the Parliamentary Estate when it is non-essential, forbidding the access to the public gallery, and ceasing school visits.