Coronavirus: MPs will review new emergency measures every six months after government relents to pressure

‘We have heard the concerns about the need for periodic review of the powers in the bill,’ says PM’s spokesperson

Draconian powers granted to ministers in the emergency coronavirus bill will be reviewed by MPs once every six months, Downing Street has said.

It comes as the 329-page bill is rushed through its parliamentary stages, and is expected to clear the Commons later on Monday, as No 10 races for the new measures – lasting two years – to be on the statute book by the end of the week.

But following concerns raised by both Labour and Conservative MPs over the length of time the extensive powers are in place for, No 10 submitted its own amendment on Monday ensuring the measures are reviewed every six months in the Commons.

“We have heard the concerns about the need for periodic review of the powers in the bill,” the prime minister’s official spokesperson said.

“We have, therefore, this morning, tabled a government amendment to the bill to require the House of Commons to renew the legislation every 6 months.

“Should the Commons decline to renew the temporary provisions, the government will be required to bring forward regulations to ensure they expire.”

The new laws will enable ministers to restrict or prohibit events and gatherings during the outbreak of the virus, “in any place, vehicle, train, vessel or aircraft, any moveable structure and any offshore installations and where necessary, to close premises”.

It will also allow for the greater use of video hearings in court cases and introduce changes so that recently retired NHS and adult social staff will be enabled to return to work without any loss of pensions rights.

Last week, after a meeting with the prime minister, Jeremy Corbyn had demanded MPs be given a fresh vote on the powers once every six months, in order for the legislation to secure Labour’s support.

He insisted the party recognised the need for urgent government intervention to “arrest the spread of the virus” and limit the economic impact, but added: “Given how far-reaching these [powers] are proposed to be, people’s elected representatives must be able to decide whether they renew the legislation at least every six months, up to its expiration after two years.”

David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, said that while the measures were “understandable” to tackle the outbreak of Covid-19, the government will have undoubtedly made mistakes in drawing up the legislation.

Speaking to the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Davis said: “At the moment the science is uncertain, the economics are unknown, social impact is completely unimaginable.”

He added: “What I’m saying to the government is end it in year. If, at nine months, you need a second a year then use all the knowledge and experience you have [gained] in the next nine months to write a proper bill, put it through parliament properly and actually get a decent law that won’t have problems built into it.”

Liberal Democrat acting leader Ed Davey called for the review period to be cut further to three months.

"Many of the powers in this bill have serious implications for civil liberties and human rights," said Davey. "They must only be used when necessary during this emergency – and not a moment longer.

"It is good that the government has listened to our concerns and introduced an amendment for the Commons to have a vote on the law after six months. However, that is not enough to give parliament proper scrutiny of the powers in this bill."