House of Commons of Canada

Virtual House of Commons: End of week one

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Westminster system, Legislatures, Political systems, Parliament of Singapore, House of Commons of the United Kingdom, Speaker of the House of Commons, Parliament of the United Kingdom, House of Commons of Canada

The House of Commons is not exempt from this, and, at the end of a historic week it is time to take a step back and note the procedural and technological changes that have occurred and look ahead to those around the corner.Hybrid proceedingsThe motion allows for the introduction of so-called hybrid proceedings, giving MPs the chance to participate either in person or remotely, using Zoom.

Key Points: 


The House of Commons is not exempt from this, and, at the end of a historic week it is time to take a step back and note the procedural and technological changes that have occurred and look ahead to those around the corner.

Hybrid proceedings

    • The motion allows for the introduction of so-called hybrid proceedings, giving MPs the chance to participate either in person or remotely, using Zoom.
    • To maintain continuity and tradition, however, the symbolic and historic Mace is still placed on the table whenever the House is sitting and a socially distanced Speakers processing still takes place.
    • A maximum of 120 MPs at any one time may take part in virtual proceedings, using Zoom to join proceedings from their home.
    • Prime Ministers Questions featuring First Secretary Rt Hon Dominic Raab and newly elected Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer MP also took place using hybrid proceedings, as did the ministerial statement on Covid19 from the Health Secretary Matt Hancock MP.

Broadcasting, digital and procedural innovation

    • The work could not have been done without the hard work, expertise and innovation of the Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit, the Parliamentary Digital Service and colleagues from across the House service, including procedural experts, Speakers Office Hansard and not forgetting the facilities team who have adapted the Chamber.
    • The procedural and technological changes in the Chamber built on the work done by the Select Committee teams, with more committee hearings taking place during recess than ever before.
    • In the coming week the House is expecting to support 17 select committee evidence sessions.

Next steps and remote voting

    • Following the successful introduction of hybrid proceedings, MPs approved a motion to extend this to further House business, including legislation.
    • This will allow MPs to debate key legislative business, including the Finance Bill, Domestic Abuse Bill and the Fire Safety Bill.
    • Crucially, MPs have also approved a motion to bring in remote voting.
    • Rigorous testing is currently taking place and guidance is being given to MPs on how to use the system.

Democracy continues

Speaker outlines virtual Chamber plans

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Westminster system, Legislatures, Government, Government of the United Kingdom, Software, Constitution of the United Kingdom, House of Commons of the United Kingdom, House of Commons of Canada, Speaker of the House of Commons, Speaker, Instagram, English votes for English laws

While a draft operating model developed by the House Service for how these arrangements will work in the Chamber in practice has been approved by the Speaker, it is now with the Government and main Opposition parties for review.

Key Points: 
  • While a draft operating model developed by the House Service for how these arrangements will work in the Chamber in practice has been approved by the Speaker, it is now with the Government and main Opposition parties for review.
  • A virtual meeting of the Procedure Committee will consider this model on Wednesday, 15 April.
  • The Speaker also thanked the House authorities, particularly the Broadcasting Team and PDS for adapting current technology and bringing in new methods to allow our work to take place in a virtual setting.
  • Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter and @UKHouseofCommons on Instagram, for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber and more.

Speaker outlines virtual Chamber plans

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Westminster system, Legislatures, Government, Government of the United Kingdom, Software, Constitution of the United Kingdom, House of Commons of the United Kingdom, House of Commons of Canada, Speaker of the House of Commons, Speaker, Instagram, English votes for English laws

While a draft operating model developed by the House Service for how these arrangements will work in the Chamber in practice has been approved by the Speaker, it is now with the Government and main Opposition parties for review.

Key Points: 
  • While a draft operating model developed by the House Service for how these arrangements will work in the Chamber in practice has been approved by the Speaker, it is now with the Government and main Opposition parties for review.
  • A virtual meeting of the Procedure Committee will consider this model on Wednesday, 15 April.
  • The Speaker also thanked the House authorities, particularly the Broadcasting Team and PDS for adapting current technology and bringing in new methods to allow our work to take place in a virtual setting.
  • Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter and @UKHouseofCommons on Instagram, for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber and more.

Statement: Covid-19 and the work of the House of Commons

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Westminster system, Legislatures, Political systems, House of Commons of the United Kingdom, Speaker of the House of Commons, 41st Canadian Parliament, House of Commons of Canada

The Chairs of the Administration Committee and the Procedure Committee issue a statement on the temporary measures introduced to ensure the continuation of House of Commons business during the Covid-19 epidemic.

Key Points: 
  • The Chairs of the Administration Committee and the Procedure Committee issue a statement on the temporary measures introduced to ensure the continuation of House of Commons business during the Covid-19 epidemic.
  • We strongly support the temporary measures already introduced and in preparation, as set out by Mr Speaker in his letter to all MPs on 27 March.
  • We also commend the Speaker, the House of Commons Service, the Leader of the House and the business managers of all parties for the changes they have made, or facilitated, to ensure that the Houses work can continue.
  • Any changes will be made with the agreement of the whole House.

House of Commons in recess, not ‘shut down’

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 27, 2020
Westminster system, Legislatures, Political systems, House of Commons of the United Kingdom, House of Commons of Canada, Recess

House of Commons in recess, not shut down

Key Points: 
  • House of Commons in recess, not shut down
    On Wednesday evening after passing the Coronavirus Bill, the House of Commons agreed to a Government proposalthat the House of Commons should begin its Easter Recess a few days early.
  • Recess does not mean thatthe House of Commonsis shut down.
  • The work of both MPs and House staff continues during recess, they will be working innew ways to ensure we follow the guidance of Public Health England and the Government.
  • Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter and @UKHouseofCommons on Instagram, for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber and more.

House of Commons in recess, not ‘shut down’

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 27, 2020
Westminster system, Legislatures, Political systems, House of Commons of the United Kingdom, House of Commons of Canada, Recess

House of Commons in recess, not shut down

Key Points: 
  • House of Commons in recess, not shut down
    On Wednesday evening after passing the Coronavirus Bill, the House of Commons agreed to a Government proposalthat the House of Commons should begin its Easter Recess a few days early.
  • Recess does not mean thatthe House of Commonsis shut down.
  • The work of both MPs and House staff continues during recess, they will be working innew ways to ensure we follow the guidance of Public Health England and the Government.
  • Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter and @UKHouseofCommons on Instagram, for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber and more.

Matt Hancock: "Our goal is to protect life"

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Westminster system, Legislatures, Software, Political systems, Hansard, House of Commons of the United Kingdom, Instagram, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, House of Commons of Canada

The update follows the Prime Minister's public statement earlier today.

Key Points: 
  • The update follows the Prime Minister's public statement earlier today.
  • He asked how the measures would work in practice for those unable to work from home and what protections are in place those in greater need.
  • Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available in Hansard online three hours after they happen.
  • Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter and @UKHouseofCommons on Instagram, for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber and more.

Matt Hancock: "Our goal is to protect life"

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Westminster system, Legislatures, Software, Political systems, Hansard, House of Commons of the United Kingdom, Instagram, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, House of Commons of Canada

The update follows the Prime Minister's public statement earlier today.

Key Points: 
  • The update follows the Prime Minister's public statement earlier today.
  • He asked how the measures would work in practice for those unable to work from home and what protections are in place those in greater need.
  • Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available in Hansard online three hours after they happen.
  • Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter and @UKHouseofCommons on Instagram, for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber and more.

Secret doorway rediscovered in the House of Commons

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Legislatures, Westminster system, Government, Political systems, Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, House of Commons of the United Kingdom, House of Commons of Canada, Coronation of the British monarch, Speaker

A secret doorway, created for the procession to the Coronation banquet of Charles II, has been rediscovered in the House of Commons.

Key Points: 
  • A secret doorway, created for the procession to the Coronation banquet of Charles II, has been rediscovered in the House of Commons.
  • House of Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, was the first senior Member to visit the find.
  • Thereafter, the doorway was used at subsequent coronations, by the Speaker's procession and day-to-day by MPs to access the original Commons chamber.
  • Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter and @UKHouseofCommons on Instagram, for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber and more.

Secret doorway rediscovered in the House of Commons

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Legislatures, Westminster system, Government, Political systems, Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, House of Commons of the United Kingdom, House of Commons of Canada, Coronation of the British monarch, Speaker

A secret doorway, created for the procession to the Coronation banquet of Charles II, has been rediscovered in the House of Commons.

Key Points: 
  • A secret doorway, created for the procession to the Coronation banquet of Charles II, has been rediscovered in the House of Commons.
  • House of Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, was the first senior Member to visit the find.
  • Thereafter, the doorway was used at subsequent coronations, by the Speaker's procession and day-to-day by MPs to access the original Commons chamber.
  • Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter and @UKHouseofCommons on Instagram, for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber and more.