MPs lose fight to be able to vote remotely during coronavirus pandemic

MPs have lost the fight to be able to vote remotely during the coronavirus pandemic.

On Tuesday afternoon, MPs formed a long queue in Westminster to decide whether they should appear in person to take part in voting.

It came after the Government dropped procedures which allowed MPs to vote online and speak remotely via Zoom.

Conservative Karen Bradley, who chairs the Procedure Committee, moved an amendment to keep remote voting in place in the coming weeks, with several Conservative MPs rebelling to support the proposal.

But it was defeated by 185 votes to 242, majority 57, following a 46-minute division.

MPs later approved the Government’s motion to only allow them to vote in person by 261 votes to 163, majority 98.

Earlier, MPs erupted in fury over Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg’s plans to bring back a socially distanced Parliament.

Politicians also told of their anger earlier as they were forced to queue in a “conga line” in order to vote on a proposal to end virtual voting.

MPs posted photos, videos and selfies on social media showing rope pens snaking through Westminster Hall where hundreds of MPs have to queue to take part in votes.

Since April a hybrid system allowed MPs to take part in debates and vote remotely while up to 50 were in the chamber
AP

Tory MP Tim Loughton said: “So this new socially distanced voting system working well - hopefully we will get there before it's dark."

He added: "So it has just taken 42 minutes to get everyone through the voting lobby when we usually have 8 minutes before the doors are locked and a lot of people are paired and not here today.

"Would have preferred queueing for IKEA at least you could get a snack at the end. Off we go again."

Conservative MP Nusrat Ghani quipped: "How very British. We could vote electronically and crack on with business in Parliament or we can stand in queues.''

Fellow Tory Michael Fabricant added: "Anyone watching the voting live on @BBCParliament would see what an embarrassing shambles it is.''

Labour’s Kerry McCarthy said the queue was "stretching back to Portcullis House" while the SNP's Stewart McDonald called it "absurd".

Meanwhile Louise Haigh posted a selfie adding: “Queueing up outside Westminster to vote against having to vote in Westminster.”

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