Decision due on 'virtual' UK Parliament

A decision on whether MPs can take part in some business in the UK's House of Commons virtually is due to be made on Thursday amid the ongoing lockdown imposed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

It was understood the House of Commons Commission, which is responsible for the administration and services of the Commons, is highly likely to nod through the plan, the BBC reported.

It would mean that MPs could take part in question sessions and statements via video link after recess.

MPs would have to approve the changes next week.

The main proposal would see some proceedings take place through video link, and broadcast live.

Parliament is due to return on April 21 to debate the coronavirus outbreak and other matters.

Earlier this week, Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said plans for a "virtual" Parliament were "progressing well".

Meanwhile, Conservative MP Stephen Crabb said a transition to a "virtual" Parliament "isn't so significant" as many MPs "are well used to working from home".

"We don't necessarily think this lockdown is going to end in the next few days or even few weeks," he told the BBC.

"So we don't want to let this period pass without the government really being questioned on very, very serious and challenging issues - and that's what we need to be able to do."

MPs are currently due to debate key Brexit legislation when they return, and the government needs to pass its Finance Bill, enacting measures in the Budget.