I’m really concerned that Parliament has gone into Easter recess, at a time of national crisis. Whilst of course MPs must lead by example and follow all the official advice, including on social distancing, it is vital that we continue to scrutinise the Government and hold Ministers to account for their actions. Ultimately I believe this will lead to better decision making that will help our country through this inevitably difficult time.

 

Ministers are asking the country to work in very different ways during this crisis, and Parliament needs to do the same. That is why I have joined over 100 MPs in asking the Clerk of the House of Commons to move Parliament online for the duration of the coronavirus crisis. You can read the full letter here.

 

As an example of this, I am very pleased that the Treasury Select Committee has held its first ever remote evidence session via Zoom, with the Trade Union Congress and Confederation of British Industry. The session looked at the action the Government has taken so far to support businesses, employees and the self-employed and what more should be done in future. You can watch our session here.