Lords debates hybrid proceedings
21 May 2021
Members debated remote participation and the hybrid sittings of the House of Lords, set up in response to COVID-19, on Thursday 20 May.
- Catch up on Parliament TV
- Read the transcript in Lords Hansard
- Constitution Committee report: COVID-19 and Parliament
- Explore the Lords Library briefing
Debate
Leader of the House of Lords
Baroness Evans of Bowes Park (Conservative), Leader of the House of Lords, put forward the debate. Earl Howe (Conservative), Deputy Leader of the House of Lords, opened the debate.
How should the Lords work after COVID-19?
Speakers
Over 90 members took part, including:
- Lord Judge (Crossbench), Convenor of the Crossbench Peers
- Lord Lucas (Conservative), former member of the Democracy and Digital Technologies Committee
- Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall (Labour), member of the Procedure and Privileges Committee
- Lord Newby (Liberal Democrats), Leader of the Liberal Democrats
COVID-19: House of Lords response
The House responded rapidly to the pandemic and changed the way it works. It set up ‘hybrid proceedings’ in the chamber, online committee meetings and the online voting system.
Impact on Parliament
The Constiution Committee published its COVID-19 and Parliament report as part of its inquiry into the Constitutional implications of COVID‑19.
Timeline
Read the House of Lords Library timeline of the House of Lords response to COVID-19.
House of Lords Commission
The House of Lords Commission, chaired by the Lord Speaker, announced on Wednesday 19 May that capacity in the chamber would increase to 53 members (from 30), following consultation with Public Health England.
The Procedure and Privileges Committee has issued updated guidance for the House’s business following the Commission's announcement.
Image: Copyright House of Lords 2021 / Photography by Roger Harris