Coronavirus: Liberal Democrats call for ‘virtual Parliament’ to hold ministers to account Sir Keir Starmer urged to back the move — and play a leading role

The Liberal Democrats have urged Sir Keir Starmer to back plans for the rapid establishment of a streamlined ‘virtual Parliament’ to hold ministers to account.

They are calling for a new coronavirus select committee – chaired by Sir Keir and containing senior MPs of all parties – to be created within days to cross-examine ministers on their handling of the crisis.

Sir Ed Davey, the party’s acting leader, is also pressing for Prime Minister’s Questions and ministerial statements to resume via video link as soon as possible.

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He writes in a letter to the new Labour leader: “I wanted to reassure you that I and my party will do all we can to work with you to offer constructive opposition to the Government during this crisis.”

Shared concerns

Arguing that he shared many of Sir Keir’s concerns about the health and economic emergency facing the UK, Sir Ed told i: “Progressive parties should try and find common ground where we can.”

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a phased return of parliamentary activity, including virtual Prime Minister’s Questions and tabling written questions to ministers, beginning with setting up the coronavirus select committee.

“If this lockdown continues and we have social distancing for a long time, we need to replicate as much of Parliament as possible,

“It would be quite wrong for there not to be scrutiny in Parliament,” Sir Ed said.

“We need to press on with this really quickly. Keir may have other ideas, and I will be very happy to work with him and other opposition leaders to bring something about.”

‘Constructive tone’

The acting Lib Dem leader said politicians of all opinions had adopted a “responsible and constructive” tone during the epidemic.

“We need to make sure we continue that, because the public need to see unity. They also need to see support behind the core messages from the government, whether it’s staying at home or social distancing,”Sir Ed said.

“We also need to make sure we raise the questions that need to be raised. It is our duty as a loyal opposition that need to be raised.”

He cited ministers’ “lethargy in scaling up testing and getting personal protective equipment to frontline health and care workers” and their “late response to helping self-employed people”.