U.K. Parliament squashes BlackBerry use

Michael Martin, the House of Commons speaker, has declared that anyone using BlackBerrys or other "electronic devices" in the chamber can be thrown out.

The decision comes shortly after Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell used his BlackBerry to send a profanity-laden tirade to BBC flagship program "Newsnight," believing he had sent it to a Labour public relations agency.

Martin also revealed that some members of Parliament were found to be using the devices during debates. U.K. politicians also have been banned from wearing earpieces that could allow them to communicate with the outside world when the House is in session.

The previous speaker, Betty Boothroyd, earlier outlawed entering the House with mobile phones unless the devices are switched to silent. Members of Parliament who interrupt the session with text message noises or ring tones can expect to be admonished by the leader of the House.

Martin said that the use of mobile phones and PDAs (personal digital assistants) with silent prompts remained acceptable.

"But I am not prepared to accept the use of electronic devices to communicate outside the chamber, nor to act as an aide-memoire by a member participating in proceedings," he told the House.

The U.K. Parliament isn't the only executive body that has had trouble with wayward politicians and their handhelds.

A Norwegian parliamentarian was censured after he was found playing war games on his PDA during a discussion on military action in Afghanistan.

Jo Best of Silicon.com reported from London.

[blackeye]

19th Century Politicians in a 21st Century World

Is it me or do these people not realise that we're living in a real-time world?

Perhaps we?ve discovered the real problem?. MP?s haven?t been communicating with the outside world!

[David Arbogast]

Its about respect for the issues

Policy makers are expected to meet and discuss issues intelligently. Clinging desperately to an external communications device only suggests that the individuals need help doing their job, and have no clear understanding of their responsibilities and goals without constant outside feedback. People who are elected or appointed to do a job are supposed to be able to handle their job appropriately. Opening themselves up to external influence from special-interest groups for every real-time question/decision is dangerous and clearly demonstrates that the individual is not properly qualified for the work they are supposed to accomplish.

I agree with the rule. I once had an interview with 6 people who were all using PDAs to communicate while I was answering questions. In the end, they made me an offer and I turned it down. Technology is great, so long as it doesn't replace respect for individuals. I did not want to work for people who made it common to hold private discussions during my interview, and I would not vote for a political leader who needs constant communication with outside groups to validate their actions.