Committee examines coronavirus impact on participation in Commons debates
9 October 2020
The House of Commons Procedure Committee will hear from witnesses including all three Deputy Speakers and the Clerk of the House in a public evidence session on Monday 12 October.
- Watch Parliament TV: Procedure under coronavirus restrictions
- Inquiry: Procedure under coronavirus restrictions
- Procedure Committee
The hearing, scheduled to take place from 1:45pm, will be an opportunity for witnesses to give evidence to the Committee on the impact of coronavirus on participation in Commons debates.
During the session, the Committee will hear from three sets of witnesses including:
- Stephen Farry MP, Claire Hanna MP and Barbara Keeley MP
- Deputy Speakers Dame Eleanor Laing MP, Dame Rosie Winterton MP and Nigel Evans MP
- Clerk of the House Dr John Benger and Matthew Hamlyn, Strategic Director, Chamber Business Team
The session forms part of Committee’s ongoing inquiry into House of Commons procedure and practice under coronavirus restrictions.
Issues the Committee is currently examining in relation to participation in Commons debates include:
- The effect which current rules on time limits on speeches have on participation in debate
- The process whereby MPs currently apply to participate, and are able to participate, in debate, including seating arrangements in the Chamber
- Whether the temporary system of call lists adequately facilitates debate management in the current situation
Further information
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