News from Caroline Russell: Government urged to legislate for virtual meetings again

The Mayor accused the Prime Minister of ‘risking public safety and public health because he’s worried about upsetting his backbenchers,’ when questioned about home working by Caroline Russell at Mayor’s Question Time today.

Caroline highlighted the need to urgently bring back legislation so formal Assembly and council meetings can be held virtually, to protect staff and members from coronavirus.

The Mayor responded by claiming Boris Johnson is 'too scared to take it to Parliament which means we are risking our personal safety by attending in person’. He went on to say that ‘it makes a mockery of what Chris Whitty said yesterday and a mockery of the public health advice.’

Caroline Russell says:

I’m glad the Mayor agrees that holding formal meetings, in person, while cases of coronavirus are soaring is totally unnecessary.

“There are staff and others in this building with relatives at high risk from coronavirus. We have protective measures in place, but the most effective way to stop the spread is to mix less and stay at home.

“Forcing everyone into a room for a formal meeting that works just as well online, simply risks further transmission of this very infective airborne coronavirus.

“I hope Government starts listening because it is crucial to start holding Assembly and local council meetings virtually so that our staff and elected members can stay well.

Government legislation now requires the Assembly to meet in person, 10 times per year to question the Mayor with all Assembly members, and for people to be physically present to count as being present. [1]

Regulations came in on 4 April 2020 under powers granted by section 78 of the Coronavirus Act 2020, to enable formal meetings to be hybrid or fully virtual. Confirmation was provided by the Government to council leaders that the emergency legislation concerning remote meetings would only be in place until 6 May 2021. [2]