A Week in Parliament

Brexit

Many people will be glad not to have heard much about Brexit the past few months. However, it will again be a key issue soon. With many discussions put on hold initially due to Covid-19, then it is clear the clock is ticking. It makes sense to extend the transition period but yet the Tory Government is determined the UK will leave the EU on the 31st December 2020 no matter what. Realistically this means the agreement being in place at the end of October/early November to allow it to be ratified. This headstrong attitude seems particularly reckless given the Covid-19 recession that needs to be addressed. Indeed, it has been confirmed that civil servants have been diverted from working on Covid-19 measures to do further “No-Deal” planning. This highlights a number of issues – firstly it proves that the so called “deal” that has been agreed, is not a deal at all. It is as an agreement of heads of terms for discussion. Secondly, it shows that they are prioritising Brexit over Covid-19 which is reckless in the extreme. Lastly, it shows they do not care about the effect of a “No-Deal Brexit” on the UK economy. In fact, for someone like Dominic Cummings who is advising the UK Government, his attitude will be that the economy is already ‘gubbed’ so who cares about further damage?! Still, we know who will suffer worst in the long term if this happens - it will be the poorest and most vulnerable in our society.

Hybrid Parliament

The UK Government unilaterally decided that the hybrid arrangements for Westminster will not continue beyond the Whitsun recess. This means that unless new standing orders are agreed by Parliament on remote electronic voting any votes need to take place at Westminster. MPs who are in the categories of either full shielding or recommended self-isolation will lose their voting rights if they obey medical guidance. How can this be deemed democratic? Presently, the governments of the three devolved nations still say that everyone should work from home if possible and only undertake travel if essential. Where does MPs travelling back and forwards to London fall within this? Incredibly, the UK Transport Secretary says it is our “civic duty” to avoid using public transport. It is physically impossible for MPs from Northern Ireland and Scottish MPs from the islands to travel without using public transport so what consideration is given to allow them to comply with this request and still perform their parliamentary duties – clearly none. Am I expected to drive to London and back rather than use the train? It shows another example of Government Ministers making utterances and having stances that make no sense.

I appreciate many constituents have had to go to their places of work during the pandemic, so may expect parliamentarians to do so. If I’m needed at Westminster, I will be there. However, it seems to me, that rather than parliament “leading by example” as the Tories are saying, it is showing an unwillingness to change how it operates. No change there either.