Re mobile phone usage in meetings/company....that protocol seems to be changing.I certainly don't know the ins and outs of this case but it seems you lost an ally.
What is worrying is that MPs are actually permitted to use their cellphones while 'sitting in the house' - in most meeting situations you're asked to turn them off so you can focus on the business being discussed, and use them on your breaks.
Why is it acceptable to use your phone in the house of commons if it's unacceptable in a courtroom situation?
Regardless of what you're doing on it, while using it; shouldn't MPs be present to what is being discussed, if that's what they're elected to do?
I've only got a clunky 'calls only' gadget, and turn it off.
But both Mrs Egbert and young'uns around us are constantly looking things up on the hoof.
In the case of the young'uns I've no idea whether it's appropriate, but wifie is very adept -for instance- at getting dosage rates/retention periods in seconds.
In parliament, I've no doubt that you'd have office backup sending you info steadily if needed. I see it going on constantly in meetings I attend, where sharper/younger minds are constantly using a gadget to inform them as they go.
As for Neil, I hope to goodness that his tech shows the allegations are unfounded.