'UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE LOST CRAIG TRACEY', SPEAKER SIR LINDSAY HOYLE ANNOUNCES TO A VIRTUALLY EMPTY COMMONS

TECHNICAL gremlins blighted Atherstone MP Craig Tracey's maiden virtual speech to Parliament as he was declared "lost" by the House of Commons Speaker.

Mr Tracey went from "remote" to being cut off altogether as he used the new hybrid proceedings in the House of Commons for the first time.

The North Warwickshire member was asking a Works and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey what steps were being taken by her department to support disabled people during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Replying for the government, in a virtually empty debating chamber, Disabled Minister Justin Tomlinson said new steps were being taken to ensure "greater financial security at this time".

Personal independent payment awards (PIPs) for existing claimants, due to be reviewed or reassessed, have "automatically" been extended by six months while those and all face-to-face assessments of disability benefits suspended for three months.

As Mr Tracey went to reply, according to Hansard – which chronicles every word spoken in Parliament – he became "inaudible" as the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle announced: "Unfortunately we have lost Craig Tracey."

Labour Shadow Minister Vicky Foxcroft got a chance to get a question in before normal service was resumed to Mr Tracey.

And, as a result, he was able to ask a supplementary question of the minister on further guidance specifically on PIPs and how his Atherstone and district can "access this vital support as quickly as possible" as several constituents are either looking to access them for the first time or due a reassessment.

The minister applauded Mr Tracey for being "diligent in championing the issues that his constituents face" and the Government continues to accept new claims – allowing reviews where claimants accept them, particularly where their condition may have deteriorated and they could be eligible for greater financial support; and prioritising terminally ill claimants.

On the broadcast blip, Mr Tracey commented: "The technology didn't exactly work as planned and they had to come back to me after the minister had answered my substantive question.

"But I was still able to get my follow up question in on the important issue of PIP payments during the lockdown period."

When Parliament returned its Easter recess, many of the MPs remained in their constituencies across the UK.

But enough came back to agree a new hybrid proceedings for Parliament until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic. It took effect from April 22.

The new format allows a maximum of around 50 members of Parliament to be present in the chamber under social distancing measures. Up to 120 members can take part remotely during the 'hybrid' proceedings.

The Speaker is chairing proceedings from Westminster.