MPs are returning to Parliament in a rebellious mood

“REMOTE DEBATES are absolutely poisonous,” says a Conservative MP. “They need to go as soon as possible.” Almost all parliamentarians acknowledge that covid-19 made remote working necessary—few are keen to see it continue beyond the pandemic.

Parliament is preparing for the return of 650-odd MPs on June 21st. By then it will have been more than a year since they all gathered at the Palace of Westminster, let alone in the House of Commons chamber. Many worry that the “hybrid parliament” has weakened them and bolstered the executive. They are ready to kick back.

Early in the pandemic, MPs voted by app. But this was quickly ditched in favour of proxy voting, concentrating power in the hands of a few individuals, mainly whips who enforce party discipline—something one backbencher terms “an absolute scandal”. While the proxies must cast votes as instructed, the worry is that the system has made newer members more susceptible to pressure.

Chances to register dissent have faded. Parliamentarians may participate remotely in debates, but technological limitations mean there are no interventions (spontaneous questions on topics under discussion, which MPs co-ordinate to put ministers under pressure). The Coronavirus Act allows ministers to make key decisions—such as imposing lockdown—via statutory instrument, rather than...