London : The Modernisation Committee has published a report proposing a pilot to allow Members to participate virtually in select committee meetings in limited circumstances.
The report is part of the Modernisation Committee’s ongoing work to ensure that House procedures remain effective, accessible and resilient. It responds to evidence from across the House, including responses to the Committee’s 2024 call for views, the December 2025 report on access to the House of Commons and its procedures (particularly in relation to facilitating the participation of Members requiring reasonable adjustments) and discussions with the Liaison Committee and the Procedure Committee.
What is being proposed :
Currently, Members must attend committees in person, though witnesses can appear remotely. The report recommends allowing virtual participation on a pilot basis until the end of the current Parliament, in two specific circumstances only:
- For business continuity, when access to the parliamentary estate is significantly restricted or prevented entirely
- For health and wellbeing reasons, where a Member requires reasonable adjustments following an assessment process that will be set out in guidance
The proposal is intended to support business resilience and, where appropriate, enable Members with health needs to continue participating in committee work if they wish to do so. The report is clear that physical attendance should remain the default, and that virtual participation is not expected to be commonplace.
Guidance from the Liaison Committee :
At the Modernisation Committee’s request, the Liaison Committee has drafted guidance (included as an appendix to the report) covering how virtual participation would operate in practice. This guidance outlines:
- In‑person participation remains the default
- Expectations around quorum, conduct and cyber security
- Committee chairs would not decide on health‑related adjustments for Members; instead Members would have to follow a process set out in the guidance.
The Liaison Committee will review how the guidance works in practice within 18 months.
Next steps :
The report itself does not change House rules. Any change would require the House to agree a motion to amend Standing Orders, which would be brought forward by the Chair of the Modernisation Committee in his capacity as Leader of the House. If agreed by the House, the timing of the change would depend on the necessary practical and technical arrangements being in place.
The change would apply on a pilot basis until the end of the current Parliament, with a decision in the next Parliament on whether it should be made permanent, informed by the evidence gathered during the pilot.
For full text of the report, click the following link:
