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Government wants to silence me, says Jamie Stone in row over voting changes


By Gordon Calder

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Jamie Stone said the Virtual Parliament has been working adequately and should have been continued for longer.
Jamie Stone said the Virtual Parliament has been working adequately and should have been continued for longer.

North MP Jamie Stone has accused the UK government of trying to silence him over the way members vote in the House of Commons.

He described the new rules as "desperately unfair" and claimed he will be the only MP affected by the changes.

Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, who lives in Tain, hit out after the government insisted members return to the Commons following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

The Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg, said MPs would have to be in the chamber to speak in debates and to vote.

During the lockdown, which began in March, they could take part in debates remotely through what was called the Virtual Parliament. It saved MPs travelling to the House and reduced the risk of the virus being spread.

But there was widespread opposition to Mr Rees-Mogg's plans and the government changed its mind. It said proxy votes would be allowed for members who are shielding at home or have caring duties but the rules exclude carers of adults.

Mr Stone looks after his disabled wife, Flora, and usually gets help during the week but during the lockdown he has cared for her himself. He says he is the only MP in that category.

"The right to speak up for my constituents and vote on their behalf is fundamental to my role as their MP," Mr Stone said.

"I was so excited when I found out that the government had listened to the House and decided to reinstate Virtual Parliament for MPs like me. I was even more thrilled to think I could vote by proxy.

"But, looking at the order paper, I realise that this government still wants to silence me. Proxy voting is available to those who themselves are vulnerable and those who care for children. I fit neither category. I care for my wife.

"It seems to me desperately unfair that my personal circumstances should preclude me. What message does that send to the people of Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross? What message does that send to carers of disabled adults across the country?

"I am so pleased for my colleagues who will now be able to vote by proxy, but I implore the government to let me do the same."

Mr Stone revealed he has ordered a Covid-19 test kit to see if he has had the virus and is likely to be immune from catching it again.

"That would make life a bit easier for me as I would know I could go to London and not bring the coronavirus back," he said. "I am really scared of taking it here. We have not been too badly hit so far."

Mr Stone said the Virtual Parliament was "not perfect" but worked well enough and was getting better. He thinks it should have been continued for "a bit longer".

He said: "I feel it is irresponsible to go back to parliament when we are not out of the pandemic yet. MPs queuing outside the Commons to comply with social distancing regulations is not sustainable.

"Government advice is work from home if you can. I should not be disenfranchised because of my circumstances.

"I think we should learn from the Scottish Parliament which is operating a three-day week and maintaining the Virtual Parliament. They are ahead of Westminster."

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