Westminster Hall debates: MPs to participate virtually and in person

'Westminster Hall’ debates would normally take place in the Grand Committee Room – just off Parliament’s historic Westminster Hall.

However, they have been temporarily suspended due to Coronavirus restrictions since 14 January.

Following innovative efforts from House of Commons staff they can now take place in the more modern Boothroyd Room in Portcullis House.

The move marks the first time Westminster Hall debates will be held outside of the Grand Committee Room since 2014, when Committee Room 10 briefly hosted the debates.

The temporary move will allow up to 20 MPs to participate in any one debate physically and virtually combined.

Virtual participation will operate much in the same way to the House of Commons Chamber, with the Chair managing contributions with a call list that will be published in advance. 

The first new hybrid Westminster Hall debate will take place on Monday 8 March and will be on the subject of e-petition 563473 relating to press freedoms and safety of protestors in India.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Dame Eleanor Laing MP

Chairman of Ways and Means, Rt Hon Dame Eleanor Laing MP, said:

“Resuming Westminster Hall debates will further increase Parliament’s capacity to debate vital issues, and debating in this hybrid system will enable us to extend participation in Westminster Hall debates to all Members in a safe and efficient manner, ensuring Parliament remains COVID-secure.

“The House of Commons service have worked hard to put arrangements in place for the launch of hybrid Westminster Hall debates on 8 March.

“As Chairman of Ways and Means with responsibility for business in Westminster Hall, I look forward to seeing important debates make good use of this valuable parliamentary time.”

Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP

Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, said:

“I know how important Westminster Hall is to backbench Members, because it enables them to raise issues that matter to their constituents – so I am really pleased we are able to open for business again. 

“MPs will also now be able to debate all-important petitions that have attracted more than 100,000 signatures from members of the public. 

“The Boothroyd Room is a better location for all these debates during the pandemic – not only because the configuration makes social distancing easier, but it required much less work to set up for virtual participation. 

“It goes without saying that it is once again thanks to our wonderful staff for finding an innovative solution to a problem posed by Covid that we can resume an important part of our democracy.”

Arrangements including new signage and social distancing measures will be in effect in the Boothroyd Room to ensure Parliament remains COVID-secure following the change.