Recording in parliament is illegal – so this is how the video team captures key moments for our democracy

When Lloyd Russell-Moyle grabbed the mace this week, we knew we needed to show Independent readers exactly what happened. So I went on a search across the internet

The past few days in parliament have provided moments that make it impossible to look away.

Just before 9pm on Monday, as MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle laid hands on the Commons’ ceremonial mace, nobody beyond the walls of Westminster was able to see what had actually happened. The free online service Parliament TV instead had its cameras positioned towards speaker John Bercow, and the flailing hands of members sat near to him. It was only thanks to someone at the BBC releasing a short clip from a different angle that we could all join in on viewing such a bizarre political moment.

And there’ve been so many moments, over the past few days especially, where eyes on The Independent’s video desk have been glued to these cameras, peering down on the despatch box. From statement, to debate, to the jeers and everything in between, it has been impossible to look away. As we endeavour to use video to provide that extra layer of context to stories, right now it’s more important than ever to watch what’s happening inside the halls of our government.