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Plan to scrap digital votes as Parliament returns
Jun 1, 2020
MPs will be required to vote in person after Parliament returns this week under a plan tabled by Jacob Rees-Mogg.
The Commons leader wants to replace a temporary online voting system with a new method of physical voting that respects social distancing rules.
The usual practice of voting in corridors - called division lobbies - has been ruled unsafe by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
But opposition MPs say returning would be irresponsible and put them at risk.
In a letter to MPs last week, Mr Rees-Mogg said voting in the division lobbies would be replaced by a "more appropriate alternative".
He has tabled a motion which requires MPs to be physically present in Parliament to be able to vote after MPs return from their Whitsun recess on Tuesday.
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It does not specify a system to replace voting in the lobbies, noting that votes - called divisions - should be held "under arrangements made by the Speaker".
MPs have been voting digitally as part of arrangements allowing them to work on a semi-virtual basis during the coronavirus pandemic.
The set-up has seen a maximum of 50 MPs allowed in the Commons chamber, with up to 120 taking part via video conferencing technology.
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