Cameron's coalition: Mobile phones banned from cabinet

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8679648.stm

Members of David Cameron's new cabinet have been banned from having their mobile phones and Blackberrys with them during meetings. There was laughter in the room when Mr Cameron had to call Justice Secretary Ken Clarke to attention, when he was on the phone.
He said that holding meetings in different parts of the country was "a good thing, and I think we should try to continue that to recognise we're the government for the whole United Kingdom and they need to get out and see it". Use of mobile phones and other devices during meetings and debates in parliament used to be banned, but now politicians are allowed to have them, but they must be in silent mode.


I think that having your mobile phones on during such serious things, is a shame. When you have to debate about things that are crucial for a whole country, you must be focused all the time. It is not high school where you don’t like the lesson and you go and surf some on the web on your mobile phone. Crucial decisions have to be made and you need to concentrate on that. I think that David Cameron is absolutely right to ban mobile phones from his new cabinet. It also gives a clear sign to the public that he is really serious about the debates and his new position.