Welsh MPs in historic video conferencing first for House of Commons
Welsh MPs will play an historic role today when Welsh Questions becomes the first session of the Commons to be held using a mix of video conferencing and a new version of traditional procedures.
Up to fifty MPs will be allowed to be present in the chamber but will have to sit in marked spaces on the green benches.
Meanwhile up to 120 members will be able to take part via video conferencing. They'll be visible to colleagues in the chamber on six large screens which have been specially installed.
Welsh Secretary Simon Hart and his junior minister David TC Davies will answer the questions put to them by MPs using video links from their homes in Pembrokeshire and Monmouthshire.
Aberavon MP Stephen Kinnock tweeted pictures of his set-up at home prior to speaking to the House of Commons via video link for the first time.
Their opposite numbers, Nia Griffiths the Labour Shadow Welsh Secretary and Liz Saville Roberts, the leader of Plaid Cymru also plan to take part remotely.
The session will be followed by the first Prime Minister's Questions to be held under the new rules although Boris Johnson won't take part because he's still recovering from his treatment for coronavirus. The Foreign Secretary will stand in for him.
Welsh Conservative MP Fay Jones, Labour's Stephen Kinnock and Plaid Cymru MPs Liz Saville Roberts and Jonathan Edwards are amongst those due to ask a question to Dominic Raab and who plan to do so remotely.
It's not the first time Welsh Questions has led the way in different ways of working for the Commons. Parliament's website notes that 'on 3 April 1978 the permanent broadcasting of the Commons began with the Secretary of State for Wales answering questions on the Welsh language.'
Simon Hart welcomed the changes that are allowing him to answer questions from his home in Pembrokeshire.
"The UK Government has told people to work from home where possible during the coronavirus outbreak and it is right that the work of the UK Parliament is also carried out differently during these unprecedented times.
"That means continuing to respect social distancing measures and using other methods, including video conferencing, to communicate with colleagues."
While this is new for the House of Commons, the National Assembly for Wales will be holding its third all-video plenary session today.
Up to 28 AMs will be able to take part in the meeting which will involve statements from the First Minister, Health Minister and Economy Minister and give chance to opposition leaders and backbenchers to ask questions.
A previous 'virtual Senedd' session on 8th April also allowed AMs to vote remotely. Parliament hasn't gone that far - any votes will still be held by MPs trooping through lobbies - although observing social distancing.