Media Guardian - Technology! The impact of New and Digital Media on the government.

TWITTER TO BE ALLOWED IN HOUSE OF COMMONS!

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"Tweeting helps MPs to stay informed, in touch and accountable to their constituents and to ban this would be an inexplicable step back in time."

MPs have voted to allow the use of twitter during common debates.

On Thursday, MPs voted by 206 votes to 63 against the move to block the use of twitter during common debates. 

MPs also voted to permit themselves to use electronic devices in the chamber as long as they were set to silent and not disruptive but used with "decorum".

The vote went through in the face of high-profile dissent from figures including the Lib Dem deputy leader, Simon Hughes, who argued members distracted by a device would appear "disconnected" from parliament.

MPs will now be able to read their Commons speeches from the handhelds, and when sitting in select committee meetings they should be able to use laptops.

The Commons procedure committee recommended MPs be allowed to use hand-held electronic devices in the chamber, "provided that they are silent, and used in a way that does not impair decorum". They will not be allowed to use laptops.