MPs warned about Commons photos

MPs are being reminded about rules on recording debates

MPs have been warned about using gadgets in the Commons, after claims a Labour MP took photos of the Lib Dems abstaining on a crunch EU treaty vote.

At the end of last week's debate, Tory MP Anne Main, in a point of order, complained photos had been taken.

The deputy speaker also said he spotted "a device" which was "clearly not being used for a telephone conversation".

Speaker Michael Martin has written to all MPs to remind them of the rules on "recording proceedings in the chamber".

Mrs Main's point of order came at the end of a debate on a Conservative amendment to the EU (Amendment) Bill, which would ratify the new Lisbon Treaty.

Taking pictures on a camera in this chamber is completely out of order Alan Haselhurst Deputy speaker

The Conservatives had called for a referendum on the treaty - but Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg ordered his MPs to abstain, arguing instead for a referendum on Britain's long-term membership of the EU.

Speaking after the votes on 5 March, Mrs Main said: "While I disapprove of the principled abstention of the Liberal Democrats, I disapprove even more of there being some members, particularly on the government benches, photographing those principled abstentions."

Deputy speaker Alan Haselhurst, who was in the chair at the time, said he would inform Mr Martin, and added: "I hope it would be understood across the whole House that taking pictures on a camera in this chamber is completely out of order."

He added that he "did see a device in evidence, which was clearly not being used for a telephone conversation - which is also out of order" during the vote.

On Tuesday, a Commons spokeswoman said: "Mr Speaker has written to all members reminding them of the rules about recording proceedings in the chamber."

The Conservatives' amendment was defeated by 311 votes to 248, although 29 Labour MPs and 15 Lib Dems rebelled to vote in favour of it.

The Conservatives say there should be a referendum because the treaty is essentially the same as the EU Constitution, on which all three main parties promised a referendum in their 2005 manifestos.

The government and Liberal Democrats say it does not have constitutional implications, so a referendum on it is not needed.