The Senedd’s presiding officer has in effect barred the use of smart glasses in the Welsh Parliament, days after it emerged he would allow them to be used as a teleprompter. Huw Irranca-Davies had ruled that using them in such a way was OK – provided he was told first – but Members of the Senedd (MS) have now been told he “will not be considering any other requests” to use the devices. Reform’s Jason O’Connell made headlines earlier this year after using the glasses to help him make a speech. O’Connell, whose glasses do not include a camera, said he had voluntarily agreed not to use his device until a review into using them on the Senedd estate ends.
O’Connell previously said he had started using glasses as a teleprompter to improve his speaking skills and to avoid looking down at his notes. A letter from Irranca-Davies from 20 October, published in committee papers last week, said he had “determined that members may use smart glasses as a teleprompter in the chamber, provided that they give me advance notice”. On Tuesday, an official working for the presiding officer told MSs that “he will not be considering any other requests to use AI-equipped glasses in the Siambr until the review has reported”. They said: “Following further helpful discussions, no members will be using the technology until the review has been completed.” The official said the next stage of the Senedd Commission’s review would include a consultation with MSs and staff, and would be completed by the end of 2026 with recommendations “brought forward in the new year”.
O’Connell told BBC Wales after the decision: “I’ve voluntarily agreed to stop using the ones I’m using as a teleprompter until the review completes.” Asked how he felt about the matter, he said: “I’m ambivalent. They were a useful tool to be used on occasions. “I was no way reliant on their use. But I look forward to using them again once the Senedd approves them.” The Senedd declined to elaborate on the statement to MSs after being asked why the presiding officer’s stance had changed.
Reform is currently holding an unrelated boycott of Senedd proceedings, after its member Joe Martin was barred from speaking by Irranca-Davies, after Martin claimed in parliament that white people were being “replaced” in the UK. The smart glasses decision was issued to MSs before the presiding officer’s ruling on Martin was issued. Man jailed for ‘appalling’ catalogue of coercive control and abuse against partner Flood victim, 95, lived in Wetherspoons after her home was destroyed and died before she could return Young, Welsh and into politics – but with different views on independence
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