Revamping Commons: MPs Push to End Heckling and Modernize Language

Members of Parliament are urging reforms to eliminate booing and jeering in the House of Commons to foster a more inclusive and accessible debate environment. The women and equalities committee emphasizes that such behaviors, common during heated sessions like Prime Minister’s Questions, do not belong in a workplace expected to set a positive example. They recommend replacing outdated terms, such as ‘chairman’ with ‘chair’, to promote gender neutrality and improve public understanding of parliamentary proceedings. Additionally, there are calls to tackle MPs’ second job rules and the handling of parliamentary staff costs to avoid public confusion. Proposals include increasing hotel budgets for MPs who need to accommodate dependents in London and requiring MPs to undergo thorough background checks. Overall, these suggestions are part of a broader effort to modernize Parliament and ensure it meets the needs of both MPs and their constituents.