Ruth Jones, Member of Parliament for Newport West has welcomed the progress made in bringing about a Digital Parliament. Ruth said “I want to thank the Speaker and the House authorities for working so hard to deliver a Digital Parliament in such a short time. At a national crisis, when we are asking everyone in Newport West to stay at home and save lives, MPs must be able to show we can make our democracy work while social distancing”.

Ruth joined the campaign for a Digital Parliament last month co-signing a letter to the Clerk of the House of Commons alongside 150 other MPs from across the house.

Yesterday the Speaker of the House confirmed that proposals to allow oral questions and statements at the beginning of each sitting to be done by video link will be considered by Parliament this week and could be in place next week, when MPs return.

Ruth said that “It is so important that we can ask the questions that our constituents are raising. I want to see this in place for Parliament’s return next Tuesday so that I am not having to choose between representing my constituents, and travelling to Parliament during lockdown.  The technology is there, and this is already happening in Wales. The Speaker has made it clear it is possible”.