You can watch the recording here.
We are delighted to invite you to join an online Bright Blue public panel event.
This discussion will focus on how virtual measures in Parliament allowed for more inclusive participation of MPs in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet as we return to normality, should the option of remote participation in Parliament be retained? Doing so may better support MPs who suffer from ill health, have caring or childcare responsibilities, or simply want to spend more time in their constituencies. Our panellists will discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and effects of virtual measures in Parliament, and what we could lose if virtual measures are removed.
Speakers:
- The Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, Chair, Procedure Select Committee
- The Rt Hon Lord Anderson of Ipswich, Former Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation
- Resham Kotecha, Head of Engagement, Women2Win
- Dr Jessica C. Smith, Lecturer in Politics, Southampton University, and co-author of the Hybrid Parliament report.
- Phoebe Arslanagić-Wakefield, Researcher at Bright Blue (Chair)
Key questions:
- What impact would a hybrid Parliament system have on the range and type of candidates who stand to become MPs?
- Which social groups would particularly benefit from a hybrid Parliament system?
- Would the option of virtual participation in Parliament see MPs spend more time in their constituencies?
- Could a hybrid Parliament system be part of eroding the concept that MPs are detached, Westminster elites?
- Given that the public support the option of virtual participation by MPs in Parliament after the pandemic, what barriers prevent adoption of this policy?
Date: Tuesday 15 June 2021, 12:00 – 13:00
Venue: Online on our YouTube channel here.
RSVP: Sign up for updates via Eventbrite here
Q&A: Submit a question on Slido here.
