A north-east MP has made the decision to travel back to Westminster – blaming the region’s poor internet connection for being unable to fulfil his role.
Moray MP Douglas Ross arrived in London today for three days after working from his home near Alves for the last eight weeks.
However, the Conservative representative has concluded he is unable to carry out his duties as a Scotland Office minister due to the area’s slow internet connection.
While giving evidence online to a government committee last week Mr Ross says he lost connection two times completely while the contributions he was able to make were in “broken audio”.
Concerns have been raised in Moray about contractors travelling from England to perform non-essential maintenance while signs have been put up telling tourists they are not welcome during the lockdown.
In an open letter published on his social media Mr Ross explained travelling to London was a decision he had “not reached lightly”, adding that he is taking “every precaution” during the trip to protect his family and community.
He said: “The UK Parliament has worked hard to create a system that allows MPs to continue to do much of their work from home, questioning ministers and contributing to debates.
“But this only works when MPs have good connectivity, if the signal drops it causes problems.
“For me, home working has been successful to a point, but living in a rural part of Moray, my connection to the internet has been adequate at best.”
He added: “On Tuesday, I am required to take a small piece of legislation through the House of Commons and on Wednesday I will be answering questions from MPs on behalf of the Scotland Office.
“The fact that I am leading a piece of legislation means it is preferable in the view of the speaker that I am physically in the House of Commons for this.
“While a session can continue if a question or point can’t be heard in full, it is far more problematic if a minister can’t move or conclude proceedings.”
