Parliaments are facing four sometimes conflicting imperatives during a crisis: they must make quick but well thought-out decisions including on emergency powers; ensure continuity of constitutional governance and the balance of power required by representative democracy; set an example as an institution through observation of health requirements like social distancing; and ensure their members and staff have a right, and duty, to protect themselves personally. This new booklet by the INTER PARES project explores the various steps parliaments took to do all these things – and more – during the coronavirus pandemic.
MPs will question the Attorney General, and Yvette Cooper, about the China spying scandal, and debate property service charges and end-of-life care. Peers will vote on the assisted dying bill and hear from the Justice Minister and hospice and care sector representatives in Second Reading, as well as debating a Ten Minute Rule bill on child poverty strategy, and examining the Employment Rights, English Devolution and Community Empowerment, and Planning and Infrastructure Bills. Committees will examine e-petition evidence on SEND support, arms exports to Israel, and online safety.
MEPs endorse Joelle Elvinger and Stef Blok for their second terms as Court of Auditors judges, as well as discussing the latest on Brexit, the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism, a single stand-alone post-2027 agriculture budget, and changes to the package travel directive. They also adopt an emergency resolution on Gaza and reaffirm support for the peace process in Ukraine.
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