Adjustments to parliamentary procedure needed to help disabled MPs fully participate, research shows
Introducing call lists would help to alleviate the physical and mental pressures involved with trying to be called to speak
Reforms are needed to House of Commons rules to help disabled MPs fully participate in debates, research shows.
Introducing call lists – used temporarily during the pandemic – would help to alleviate the physical and mental pressures involved with trying to be called to speak, an expert has said.
Bringing about more predictability by outlining the order and timings of contributions would stop disabled members from being excluded from debates.
The current rules governing how MPs are called to contribute to debates are designed to favour fast-paced, more spontaneous and, therefore, less predictable mode of interactions between members to ensure dynamic exchanges that feed into effective and rigorous scrutiny.
But this can have a disproportionate and adverse effects on ability of disabled members to fully participate in debates, considering strain on their physical and mental stamina and additional medical needs, including the need to have rest breaks.
In evidence to the Procedure Committee, Dr Ekaterina Kolpinskaya, from the University of Exeter, also recommends retaining the members’ ability to request adjusting the place and manner of speaking in cases of sickness and infirmity. She recommends the introduction of call lists should be a temporary measure followed by assessment of the efficacy and suitability of this practice.
Dr Kolpinskaya held a Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology Academic Fellowship examining the House of Commons as a workplace for disabled Members.
The current arrangements aim to maintain a lively and dynamic nature of the debate and encourage MPs to engage with each other and the substance of contributions to the debate. Being active and visibly present in debating chambers is also beneficial for developing parliamentary careers.
But Dr Kolpinskaya found these practices are unpredictable and physically and mentally intense, which is particularly challenging for those who are disabled. They need to ‘catch the eye’ of the Chair by bobbing and staying in their seats for prolonged periods of time. It also increases pressure on other aspects of their role by reducing time that is available for their constituency and committee duties.
Dr Kolpinskaya said: “The introduction of call lists has potential to address some of these issues by making debates more predictable and helping members to plan their working day by clearly outlining when their presence during a debate is essential. This would also relieve the stress on physical stamina by not requiring them to spend as much time in their seats. Call lists could help alleviate mental pressures of focusing on not only what to say but also when and how they could be allowed to do so.
“It would make proceedings more structured and predictable. Members would know when they need to be in the Chamber and how long for at a minimum. It would eliminate the long waiting and the need for bobbing trying to catch the Chair\’s eye during the debate.”
But Dr Kolpinskaya also warns there are institutional challenges associated with call lists. There is a risk of fewer opportunities for interventions; debates could be reduced to a succession of pre-prepared speeches read out one after the other, and there may be less spontaneity and flexibility. It could also lead to changes in the fluidity of debates and, potentially, the nature of deliberation.
Dr Kolpinskaya said: “Addressing these concerns, building a consensus and a collective buy-in within the House would go a long way to maximise any potential benefits of this practice, balance the needs of individual Members and of the institution – and ultimately, make this accessible practice an intrinsic feature of the House of Commons procedure.”
