How would a virtual parliament work during this coronavirus crisis?

Commons authorities face a challenge to drag parliament into the modern era, writes Lizzy Buchan

The crowed lobbies of the Palace of Westminster have been closed since March (PA)

Parliament is set to return after the Easter recess – but not as we know it.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Commons leader, has confirmed MPs will be back to business from 21 April, with work going on behind the scenes on “technological solutions” to allow parliamentary scrutiny to continue safely.

The House of Commons rose a week early for recess in March amid fears over the spread of coronavirus in Westminster among thousands of parliamentarians, civil servants and staff.

The cramped conditions of the chamber, where MPs squash together on the green benches, were deemed risky – and came at odds with the government’s social distancing guidelines.

But in the weeks since the closure of parliament, opposition MPs have become concerned that ministers are dragging their feet on allowing parliamentary scrutiny over some of the most sweeping restrictions to public life this country has ever seen.

At the weekend, Sir Keir Starmer, the new Labour leader, led calls for an urgent virtual recall of parliament, saying: “The best decisions are those that are challenged and subject to scrutiny.”

While Mr Rees-Mogg rebuffed demands for an immediate recall, he said officials were hammering out ways to allow parliament to meet remotely.

Plans discussed at a meeting of Commons authorities last week would allow MPs to dial in to prime minister’s questions, as well as urgent questions and ministerial statements.

Commons clerk John Benger wrote to MPs saying they would soon be able to access a more secure version of Zoom, the video conferencing app, used by Downing Street for cabinet meetings and for daily press briefings.

Officials want MPs to use a beefed-up version of Zoom that is in line with relevant legal, security and privacy requirements, rather than the version available to ordinary consumers, which has prompted security concerns.

Remote select committees have already been staged successfully over the past few weeks, allowing MPs to grill health experts and government ministers.

Dr Benger told MPs that up to 20 virtual committees could start up after the Easter recess. Officials are working with the BBC to hone their plans.

But the senior Commons official said he was “reluctant to give an undertaking” that all parliamentary business could take place, due to the “scale and complexity” of the task.

It is unclear whether a small group of MPs would be present in parliament, while others dial in remotely, or whether the whole process would be conducted virtually.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Commons speaker, is reportedly keen for a minister to stand at the despatch box and field question remotely – similar to the way the Downing Street press conferences are conducted.

MPs and peers are usually required to walk through crowded lobbies when voting but the speaker has suggested that exceptions could be made in these extraordinary circumstances.

One stumbling block could be Commons rules that say MPs must pass a resolution to change the way parliament operates – requiring parliamentarians to attend in person.

Other issues include poor connectivity in the Palace of Westminster, parts of which date back to the 14th century, with other areas rebuilt in the 19th century.

The Scottish and Welsh parliaments were built in the 21st century, meaning both are more geared up for technological advances such as digital voting and use of video links.

Commons authorities will meet to discuss their next move on Thursday, but even if the political will is there, they face a challenge to drag parliament into the modern era.