Boris Johnson needs to be held accountable during parliament’s shutdown – a virtual PMQs will help
Even if it is an imperfect, truncated form, the Commons must find a way to keep the government honest, writes Andrew Grice
The House of Commons chamber will be silent for four weeks from today, after its Easter recess was brought forward by a week thanks to the coronavirus outbreak.
Some MPs suspect it will not return on schedule on 21 April. Officially, the date will he kept under review, and subject to “medical advice.” We might see the Commons sit for two days a week with reduced numbers of MPs attending.
Boris Johnson will not escape scrutiny as he will continue to hold daily Downing Street press conferences. They are now conducted remotely, which proves that he could and should also conduct a virtual version of prime minister’s questions. If he really wants proper parliamentary scrutiny, as he professes, he would make his long overdue first date with the liaison committee, which is made up of all the select committee chairs. I am not holding my breath.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies