Conclusion 11

The Government has acted to return to pre-Covid 19 procedures in the House of Commons wherever possible, in the interests of effective representation of MPs’ constituents and parliamentary scrutiny. However, elements of the hybrid proceedings approach adopted at the height of the pandemic had important benefits for inclusion, which should not be discounted. Measures adopted through necessity have demonstrated what is possible. The flexibility afforded by the approach was particularly welcomed by female MPs. In the interest of gender sensitivity, proper consideration should be given to the benefits of retaining aspects of the approach. As the Leader of the House of Commons said, it is a matter of balance. There is a balance to be struck between the effective conduct of the House’s business, effective representation and the needs and interests of its diverse membership. Ultimately, procedure is a matter for the House as a whole and MPs should be given the opportunity to make their personal experiences and views known, free from party- political considerations.