JOHN Bercow, the Commons Speaker, is set to tick off MPs who filmed a public gallery protest from their seats during the Autumn Budget.
A number of members are believed to have recorded on their smart phones the protest by the so-called Waspi women campaigners, scores of whom stood up during Chancellor Philip Hammond’s statement to demonstrate at what they see as state pension injustice against women, millions of whom, who were born in the 1950s, have twice seen the start date of their state pensions pushed back.
One of the MPs, Hannah Bardell, in June posted a video message on Twitter from inside the Commons voting lobby, complaining about the length of time it took to vote as several consecutive divisions took place during the passage of the EU Withdrawal Bill.
It is believed that the SNP MP for Livingston was censured at the time by the Commons authorities as filming is not permitted in the voting lobby.
Yesterday, she posted another video on Twitter but this time from inside the chamber.
Asked on social media if this was allowed, Ms Bardell replied: “Nope, we’re not supposed to make democracy accessible but there I am anyway...”
A spokesman for the Speaker’s office said: “Photography/filming is not generally permitted in the House of Commons chamber and where it is seen or reported to be happening the individual in question will be asked to stop and reminded of the rules.”
It is expected that Mr Bercow will address the issue of MPs filming in the chamber later today or at a convenient moment some time during this week.
A crowd of some 80 members of the Women Against the State Pension Inequality group waved banners and chanted in protest at the Government's previous decision to raise the state pension age from 60 to 66.
Almost four million women have been affected by the changes and the Waspi group has made several high-profile protests, including blocking a road outside Parliament earlier this month.
Anne Keen, a co-founder of the group, said the Chancellor's decision not to provide relief was "an insult".
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