Since the introduction of social distancing, lawmakers across the globe have struggled to achieve a balance between scrutiny and safety within their procedures and processes. Such has been particularly difficult in these uncertain times of needing to pass emergency laws and motions.
Amongst these debates, the UK House of Commons has been especially problematic. Regular viewers of parliamentary proceedings will be accustomed to watching up-to 650 MPs cram into the Chamber. With only seating space for 437 MPs, and tightly packed standing areas during key votes, every foot of space within the House of Commons comes at a premium. The traditions and customs of both debates and voting lobbies within the UK Parliament were evidently incompatible with the COVID-19 measures.
This article maps the democratic technological innovations that the House of Commons have taken, and asks whether this process of modernisation can stay?