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MPs might use tablets and smartphones in Commons in future

by Sarah Griffiths on 25 March 2011, 09:41

Tags: UK Government

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A committee report has called for the ban on using Twitter in the House of Commons to be thrown out so MPs can keep the public up-to-date with parliamentary debate developments from smartphones and tablets.

The procedures committee has decided that MPs should be able to use mobile devices in Commons as long as they "used in a way that does not impair decorum" i.e. silent, The Guardian reported.

Apparently MPs could use a tablet to read a speech from, but the committee has reportedly recommended that chunky devices bigger than an A4 sheet of paper, like most laptops, should not be allowed as space is already tight in the historic chamber.

The MP for East Yorkshire Greg Knight, who is also committee chair, said a ‘common sense approach' had been taken so MPs will no longer have to skip chamber debates to make time to catch up on emails.

He reportedly said: "In the modern age, it's easy for your inbox to fill up but ... [this measure] allows MPs to attend a debate and still keep an eye on their inbox as long as it doesn't impair decorum. At the moment, we have the odd situation where we can have a wad of notes an inch thick but, if you have your notes on an iPad, you can't refer to them. We have to acknowledge the need for change."

However, some MPs are not sold on the idea and have apparently argued that the introduction of smartphones and tablets could ruin the principle of the parliamentary debate

James Gray, the Conservative MP for North Wiltshire is reportedly concerned that the introduction of electronic devices could make for a "worrying change in the atmosphere" in the House of Commons.

"The excessive use of any [electronic] device ... could become an epidemic which would both be very unattractive to those observing our proceedings and also diminish the power of our debates. MPs should be in the chamber of the House of Commons and in committee to listen carefully to arguments advanced by colleagues and be ready to intervene or reply in their own speeches," he apparently added.

Parliamentary rules on using Twitter have apparently been confused since the deputy speaker told MPs not to use the micro blogging service in the house, in January.

The committee reportedly acknowledged that there could be problems if MPs used electronic devices inappropriately, especially to influence other MPs in the Commons or embarrassed themselves with their communications.

Knight reportedly said: "Rightly, there would be an outcry if, whilst a minister was announcing deaths in Afghanistan, someone was tweeting about their holidays ... but we are relying on the good sense of members. To pretend this [technology] doesn't exist would just be backwards."

It is believed that 225 MPs now use Twitter regularly and that many MPs had their say during the committee's consultation period on the changes.

The final decision will be made by a vote in the Commons in the next couple of months and if the changes do get the go-ahead a 1 year trial will commence.



HEXUS Forums :: 6 Comments

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I'm happy with the MP tweeting out if they so wish. Even having emails/briefings and last minute updates from staff (whilkst in session!) on a tablet seems fine to me. HOWEVER, I think smarphones should be banned so they cannot take/make calls or even ring to disturb a session. Call me paranoid but amongst other things, I don't want someone there telling them in real time what to say and how to vote. Okay, so they could do that via MSN or something but in general, I think all audio communication should be disallowed.

I'd even support the idea of each MP being given an ‘official’ tablet with full functionality but limited on what apps are permitted (no games etc. but communication and work-related allowed). There would be NO legitimate reason to try to hide/dete information from it and as an official device, this could also be inspected at any point if there was any evidence of wrongdoing to provide an electronic paper/audit trial.

I guess they should read the articles on whole disk encryption and securing your mobile data first though.
Tpyo
I guess they should read the articles on whole disk encryption and securing your mobile data first though.

On previous track record - I think pen and paper would be safer.

Wonder who will foot the bill for the new toys?
father smurf;2060883
On previous track record - I think pen and paper would be safer.

Wonder who will foot the bill for the new toys?

Pen and paper would be alittle more time consuming to encrypt when (not as) they lose it.

Face it, if you don't give them an official one and put the terms/limits on then, they'd only claim the most expensive shiny new Ipad2 model they could get their hands on as an office expense and play angry birds in the back benches.


I figure you could hold evidence of deletion as evidence malfeasance on an official device (like US gov email accounts - fair point, that didn't exactly do as it should have with S Palin). Plus you could make it their liability (they are issued one free. Lose it and they have to contribute to the replacement, which is still returned at the end of their term in office).
I assume the Apple Store will soon be getting a large order for the most expensive consumer versions of the iPad and iPhone. On top of this they will need a nice expensive contract with plenty of inclusive data.

FFS, they are finding more and more creative ways to waste our money!! :censored:

MPs in most other countries seem to do their job fine with a laptop or desktop and a normal mobile phone.

Now they can claim more money for expenses too:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12852926
father smurf;2060883
On previous track record - I think pen and paper would be safer.

Wonder who will foot the bill for the new toys?
As I understand it, they're already supplied with official laptops, phones, etc, (one of a new MPs first tasks is to go collect these) so I think the answer to that is pretty predictable. The taxpayer will.