Calls for Ban as Reform Politician Use Meta Glasses in Welsh Parliament

Reform UK Senedd member Jason O’Connell was seen delivering a five-minute speech packed with precise statistics - “Cardiff reviewed 192 roads, following 933 requests, and only four routes have returned to 30mph,” he said, adding figures such as “£38.3m wasted” and “up to £8.9bn in an act of economic self‑harm” while apparently not looking at notes. Observers noticed periodic flashing in his spectacles and suspected he was using Meta-style smart glasses as a tiny teleprompter. There has been no suggestion the glasses recorded, and O’Connell later posted a picture of himself in novelty pink frames, but the episode reignited debate about AI‑enabled wearables in parliamentary settings.

Liberal Democrats have written to Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle urging action and warning use could rise further, prompting calls for a Westminster ban or explicit guidance. Critics say smart glasses could “manage” debates, alter who gets credit for speech content, and covertly record sensitive meetings because indicator lights can be disabled. Parliament is reviewing its policy on camera‑equipped wearables; a House of Lords deputy speaker said the review will involve filming and photography policy, physical and information security, data‑protection and accessibility experts to balance security, privacy, operational needs and reasonable adjustments.