Coronavirus: Britain has a political vacuum – when we need scrutiny more than ever

Parliament is in recess, at a time when there are urgent questions to be asked about NHS testing and the UK response to Covid-19, writes Sean O'Grady

Questions to ministers such as Gove during daily briefings do not plug the gap (Reuters)

The particular characteristics of the coronavirus have made it a threat to our traditional freedoms as well as our health. It has, in an almost casual manner, swept away swathes of the usual accountability of governments to the people. It is a disturbing development.

On the one hand, self-isolation, social distancing and the costs of this crisis have forced ministers to assume far-reaching and arbitrary emergency powers under the Coronavirus Act. On the other hand, that same need for social distancing to slow the spread of Covid-19 has in effect shut parliament down – just as the crisis is reaching its peak. While more and more pressing questions about NHS preparedness are being asked, there are fewer formal opportunities for MPs and peers to put them directly to ministers.

Of course, the usual parliamentary rituals do not always draw forth waves of candour from the government frontbench. However, prime minister’s questions and its ministerial counterparts do offer backbenchers and the opposition parties an opportunity to set the agenda, and raise constituents’ concerns. When the leader of the opposition scores a point, it makes the news.