Well I’m sorry if MPs get bored sitting in Parliament. And I’m disappointed to hear that to help them through this ordeal, they could be allowed to take their BlackBerrys in to the most hallowed chamber in the land to help them pass the time.
I’ve never used one of these wonderful gadgets, but I’m sure it could easily be used for mischief making in the House, with MPs pinging messages to each other, maybe playing games on it as well to alleviate their boredom. And, as Nick Hopkins warns, it is totally addictive.
A report by the Commons Modernisation Committee has recommended permitting the use of handheld devices in the Commons so backbenchers can make better use of their time.
According to the committee, lengthy speeches and long waits before being called upon to ask a question can mean backbench MPs are left twiddling their thumbs for hours. And that boredom leads to low morale and may even be discouraging some MPs from attending parliamentary debates.
I do sympathise with the frustration of MPs wasting time when there are many urgent tasks that need to be done, but I do not feel this is the answer. I would suggest that they put their House in order so that it runs more efficiently and timely.
France certainly won’t be following this example. their counter-espionage chiefs have upset hundreds of ministrial staff by banning BlackBerry mobile phones for fear that the Americans may be spying on their emails.
Gods forbid the politicians be bored, because they are all doing such exemplary work while on their best game. I’m interested.. exactly what are the Americans looking for in the French emails? fashion tips?
Oh,god, it will be as bad as a classroom situation, with them all texting each other and the things going off all the time! Can’t people put up with a bit of boredom any more? – MPs are well paid to do so!
Ellee – I’ve written about this too and agree that addressing the inefficiency of parliament is more important.
“Downtime” should be put to good use – they might start by listening to debates rather than just thinking about when they are going to get their chance to speak.
Thanks Heather. I feel having mobile phones in the Commons during debates is totally inappropriate and is open to abuse, that they should resolve the causes behind their problem.
Yes Welshcakes, I’m sure that what MPs will be doing, they won’t be able to resist texting each other.
But they could blog from their BB’s Elle! actually they would probably just send rude emails and texts to each other as happens in those mass event meetings in business.
David, there are so few MPs blogging that this would be highly unlikely. I agree with your last sentence though!
I would sympathise with the Speaker of the House trying to keep order if this went through.
Much as we all like to think we can multi-task well, it would be difficult to really be engaged in the debate whilst on Blackberry. And just think how bad it would look on TV!!
I agree – we need to get the procedure/efficiency of the House in order first. It still seems to keep to old-boys-after-other-work-lets-have-supper-in-dining-room-while-debate-goes-on and lets-waste-time-in-this-debate-and-make-it-run-out-of-parliamentary-time rules. Time for a bit more of a shake up. Will be interesting to see David Cameron’s perspective on this.
I disagree. In fact, I think it doesn’t go far enough. If MPs can take BlackBerries or laptops in the Chamber, then they can be more efficient and give us better value for money.
Britain is a modern nation, and it is about time that its democratic institutions reflect the nation it represents.