PLANS for a "virtual parliament" via video link have been approved by authorities.
Breaking with nearly 700 years of tradition, around 120 MPs will be able to dial into Zoom calls to ask questions – with a further 50 allowed to sit in the chamber under "strict social distancing rules".
The session will cover departmental questions, statements and urgent questions.
Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said that the "main aspect of the proposal will allow oral questions (including PMQs), urgent questions and statements to take place at the beginning of each sitting day by video link".
He explained he did not want MPs or the thousands of staff who work on the Westminster estate "putting themselves at risk" as the country remains in lockdown.
"By working virtually, this is our contribution to the guidance of stay home, protect the NHS and save lives," Hoyle added.
The move will need to be formally approved by MPs themselves when recess ends on Tuesday 21 April.
Screens will be placed around the main chamber where MPs debate.
The Commons said it is up to MPs to decide if they want to change the rules on voting, which remain that each politician has to physically walk through one of two voting lobbies.
Staff at the Ministry of Defence were banned from using Zoom while "security implications" were investigated.
But the National Cyber Security Centre has advised it thinks the video firm's use is "appropriate" for public parliamentary business.
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