Following an interesting debate during which all shades of opinion were aired, the motion to allow hand-held electronic devices to be used in the Chamber of the House of Commons was approved by 206 votes to 63 votes.
I appreciate that some have genuine reservations about the move but in essence all that is happening is the formalisation of what has already been happening on a daily basis in the Chamber. Members regularly use tablet computers and smartphones to check emails and surf the internet. Many already update their blogs and tweet from the Chamber. It will all now be allowed without running the risk of breaking the rules of the House. I do expect that the requirement that all devices are used silently and with decorum is strictly enforced.
David Nuttall 