House of Lords: Virtual Contributions

(asked on 10th March 2022) - View Source

Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to (1) the end of social distancing restrictions in the House of Lords, and (2) the increased physical participation of disabled Members, why the arrangements providing for remote participation in Standing Order 24A are still in operation.


This question was answered on 15th March 2022

On 15 June 2021 the House of Lords Commission, as part of its consideration of the post-hybrid operating arrangements for the Chamber and Grand Committee, agreed that a model should be developed to allow a small number of members with long-term disabilities to continue to participate virtually. The Procedure and Privileges Committee subsequently affirmed, in its First Report of the current session (HL Paper 41), “The contribution disabled members make to the House’s debates and decisions is integral to the work of the House.” Standing Order 24A was agreed by the House on 13 July 2021 to enable those who may be unable physically to access the Chamber on grounds of long-term disability to participate virtually. The Standing Order, which was drawn up following consultation with disabled members, is not time limited.

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