Committee publication · Report · 14 May 2026 · HC 1827
Large Print – 2nd Report – Virtual participation by Members in select committee meetings
From: Modernisation Committee
Government response deadline: 14 July 2026
Summary
The Modernisation Committee proposes allowing UK MPs to participate virtually in select committee meetings in two limited circumstances: during parliamentary estate disruptions and for individual health accommodations. The proposal, backed by Liaison Committee guidance, would operate on a pilot basis until Parliament's end, with physical attendance remaining the default.
Key findings
- Virtual participation would be permitted only when parliamentary estate access is significantly restricted or prevented, or for individual members requiring health-related reasonable adjustments following an assessment.
- Physical attendance remains the default; both virtual and in-person participants count toward quorum, but chairs should be present in the room for hybrid meetings.
- The Liaison Committee's guidance requires virtual participants to use secure locations, hard-wired fast internet, keep cameras on, and treat leaks of private proceedings as potential contempt of the House.
- Business continuity benefits include improved resilience following pandemic precedents in other parliaments (Senedd, Scottish Parliament, Canadian House of Commons, Australian House of Representatives).
- Members requiring virtual participation for health reasons must first consult the Parliamentary Health and Wellbeing Service and obtain medical evidence; requests must be submitted by Thursday midday before meetings.
Recommendations
- Approve the draft Standing Order to permit virtual participation in select committee meetings under the two specified circumstances on a pilot basis until end of current Parliament.
- Adopt the Liaison Committee's guidance to ensure proper security, conduct, and procedural standards for virtual and hybrid committee proceedings.
- Conduct a thorough review of the pilot before the next Parliament, with involvement from the Procedure Committee, to determine whether permanent adoption is warranted.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
parliamentary-procedureaccessibilitybusiness-continuityselect-committeesworking-practices
Key actors
Sir Alan Campbell, Dame Meg Hillier, Baroness Brinton, Cat Smith, James Rhys, House of Commons Administration, Liaison Committee, Procedure Committee
Notable line
“March 2026 8 18. recommendation We recommend that physical participation in formal select committee meetings should remain the default position, but that …”
Key Quotes
“This would have significant benefits in improving business resilience and in allowing Committees to respond in a more agile way to unforeseen events.”
“… hybrid is extremely helpful because we have two Peers … who require oxygen and various other things and cannot particularly go out at night. It gives them a chance to participate”
“We acknowledge that not everyone who has a serious illness or injury, or a long-term health condition, will want, or be able, to continue to take part in select committee meetings and we emphasise that there should be no pressure on them to do so.”
“… any conduct by virtual participants which results in the leaking of information about private committee proceedings may be treated as a contempt.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗