AN SNP MP recovering from a brain haemorrhage has demanded that Westminster modernise after being left unable to vote from home.
Amy Callaghan, who underwent emergency neurosurgery in June, is unable to travel to the Commons to cast her vote.
However, she is not eligible for a proxy vote under the UK Parliament’s rules.
READ MORE: SNP MP Amy Callaghan ‘making good progress’ after brain haemorrhage
The East Dunbartonshire representative, who ousted former LibDem leader Jo Swinson, announced on social media that she was opposed to Boris Johnson’s Internal Market Bill, which Tory ministers have admitted will break international law.
But unable to cast her vote against the proposals, she called on Westminster to reform.
“For the record, I would have voted against the shoddy #InternalMarketBill,” Callaghan tweeted.
“Due to ill health, I'm still in recovery & unable to travel. I don't qualify for a proxy vote.
“Westminster must modernise so all MPs – regardless of party – can vote and represent our constituents.”
🗳For the record, I would have voted against the shoddy #InternalMarketBill
— Amy Callaghan MP (@AmyCallaghanSNP) September 15, 2020
👩⚕️Due to ill health, I'm still in recovery & unable to travel. I don't qualify for a proxy vote.
⏰Westminster must modernise so all MPs - regardless of party - can vote and represent our constituents.
Proxy voting was introduced to Parliament on a trial basis in January 2019. It has so far been extended until September 28.
Under updated regulations, MPs unable to attend due to medical reasons are only granted a proxy vote if the condition is related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The rules also apply to new parents.
READ MORE: 'Absolutely no trust' left between Holyrood and Westminster
Callaghan’s call was backed by SNP councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, who suffers continuous pain due to having a neurological condition called Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy.
She tweeted: “It is an utter travesty in a time when we are more digitally connected than we have ever been, that ill or disabled MPs' choice is to be in the building or not vote. Willful ableism in full view, emblematic of the distain the UK Government treat those of us with health issues with.”
It is an utter travesty in a time when we are more digitally connected than we have ever been,that ill or disabled MPs' choice is to be in the building or not vote. Willful ableism in full view,emblematic of the distain the UK government treat those of us with health issues with. https://t.co/cTlS3V4y8V
— Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes SNP 🇪🇺 (@ThisGirl_is) September 15, 2020
A UK Government spokesperson said: "The government was pleased to bring forward the motion to implement a pilot proxy voting scheme for parental leave and recently extended the motion to allow MPs affected by Covid-19 to participate in the scheme until later this month.
"We hope to update the House soon on arrangements beyond September in the light of the recommendations from the Procedure Committee's recent report on the pilot scheme."
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