MPs are due to be given iPads and laptops worth in excess of £1 million after the general election in May.
A total of 650 MPs will be gifted technology in the new scheme, with each member set to receive a brand new iPad Air 2.
The announcement came yesterday courtesy of the House of Commons Commission, which revealed that the scheme would cost £200,000 for each year of the next parliamentary term.
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The iPad Air 2 has been well received by critics, and Commission chairman John Thurso says it makes sense to stick with the existing Apple status quo in parliament.
“A move away from the Apple operating system at this time would incur costs to change these processes,” explained the Lib Dem.
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He added: “The Apple iPad Air 2 meets these requirements and is competitively priced when compared with similar models.”
The Times reports that MPs will specifically be issued with Apple’s 16GB Wi-Fi and Cellular iPad Air 2, which currently retails at £499.
It’s not yet clear whether MPs will be able to choose between the space grey, gold, and silver colour choices.
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Exactly 209 UK members of parliament own an iPad at present, with David Cameron having publicly praised the device. He’s also talked up his enjoyment of both the Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja games.
Not everyone is happy with the iPad-gifting scheme, however. Shadow Cabinet Office minister Chi Onwurah, who first discovered the scheme, blasted the government for locking in MPs to Apple’s iOS.
“As we saw with Nigel Mills and Candy Crush, MPs will be using the games, and the iTunes and other features on the iPad,” said the Newcastle upon Tyne Central MP.
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Onwurah added: “And that’s without mentioning the tax avoidance issue. I’m pushing for a device independent digital platform for Parliament.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
