We’re all used to strict mobile phone usage rules at work and now it seems that the government are not excluded from this rule with new PM David Cameron banning the use of mobile phones and Blackberry’s during cabinet meetings.

The UK has been on tenterhooks in the past week as the Lib Dem’s negotiated with both Labour and the Conservatives to strike a deal and create a coalition government. Looks like Mr. Cameron is setting about laying some ground rules as he made the announcement yesterday that no mobile phones could be used during the meetings.

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke had to be called to attention at the beginning of the meeting as he was still engaged in another conversation on his mobile phone! Cameron told members that they were no longer allowed their mobile phones or Blackberry’s with them during meetings.

This isn’t the first time that the issue of mobile phones have been brought up in parliament; in 2008 Commons Speaker Michael Martin had to reject a plea from MP Greg Mulholland to fine members whose mobile phones rang during a meeting in the chamber.

The issue arose after an MP’s mobile phone rang twice during questions with the Culture Secretary Andy Burnham. However, the plea was rejected with Mr. Martin advising that he would be ‘powerless’ to impose the fines on fellow MP’s, even if the money was given to charity.

Surprisingly enough we’ve got a very relaxed attitude towards mobile phones in our workplace but I have no doubt that it could certainly cause a few issues within the government if a mobile phone were to start ringing in the middle of a debate!