Joint statement from me and Robert Halfon MP on the return to Parliament:

“What stronger message can you get than the Equality and Human Rights Commission, one of the Government’s own non-departmental public bodies, confirming that the ending of remote participation for those of us who are shielding or otherwise unable to attend Parliament is discriminatory?

“As MPs – from opposite sides of the House – who are shielding, we have many important issues we need to raise on behalf of disabled people and our fellow shielders. Disabled people have felt like an afterthought throughout this pandemic and it is therefore vital that the Government looks again at the proposed return to physical participation.

“Although the hybrid arrangements were not perfect, Parliament has already shown its ability to ensure that everyone’s needs can be accommodated. We must lead by example, not disenfranchise Members and their constituents.”

Parliament should not proceed without provision for remote participation, when many elected representatives cannot attend in person. We urge the Government to agree a revised proposal to ensure Parliament remains an inclusive workplace. pic.twitter.com/CGtGsBEJCf

— EHRC (@EHRC) June 1, 2020