Virtual Lords could be here to stay after Covid – but will MPs follow?

House of Lords has embraced Covid-safe representation more than Commons, but many MPs support change

When the House of Lords began holding virtual proceedings during the first lockdown last spring, there was a spate of videos popular on social media showing peers struggling with mute buttons or interrupted by computerised voices. But, 10 months on, it could be the upper house that has the last laugh.

While the Commons and the Lords now hold so-called hybrid sittings, where members can participate in the chamber or by video link, it is the Lords - with an average age of 70 - that has seemingly embraced the modern era more thoroughly.