The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

MPs vote against Twitter ban in Commons

Bid to ban the use of smart phones in the chamber is defeated by 206 votes to 63.

By George Eaton Published 13 October 2011 18:08

"Commons votes unanimously for modernity," tweeted Conservative MP Matthew Hancock.What on earth could he be referring to? The vote against banning tweeting in parliament, of course.

Tory MPs James Gray and Roger Gale tabled an amendment to prohibit the use of handheld devices during Commons debates. Gray argued:

I think [MPs using electronic devices in the chamber] brings the whole nature of debate in this place into some disrepute. I would like to see the standard of debate here maintained. We are the mother of parliaments, let us engage in detailed and logical debate and let us not spend an excessive amount of time on our electronic devices.

But their amendment was defeated by 63 votes to 206. MPs will now be free to use smart phones in the chamber so long as they conduct themselves "with decorum" (and get their BlackBerries to work).

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4 comments

Thu, 2011-10-13 18:49 — madasbalooons (not verified)

They will be taking the x boxes in with them next, what a bunch of idiots.

Thu, 2011-10-13 19:10 — Ian5

How else can their masters let them know what to say.....

Thu, 2011-10-13 20:06 — swatantra nandanwar

I'm for the ban.
Its the same as students taking mobile phones into an exam. They should have done all their prep beforehand.
Nothing will be so infuriating as to see the entire Tory Front Bench tweeting whilst Ed is on his feet speaking so eloquently on the Recapitalisation of the Banks.
I do hope Speaker Bercow comes down hard on any member not behaving honourably and showing a bit of respect.