Boris Johnson is proposing to move House of Commons to YORK while Palace of Westminster undergoes £6billion renovation In a letter, the PM says that locations outside London should be considered He added that costs should be kept to a minimum with no ‘gold plating’ A recent report by the National Audit Office (NAO) stated … Read more
How NOT to socially distance with Matt Hancock…: Health Secretary is caught on camera breaking his own two-metre rule twice in 30 seconds in the Commons Matt Hancock broke his two-metre rule twice in 30 seconds in the Commons It follows a mix-up this morning when he called Marcus Rashford ‘Daniel’ Social media users ridiculed … Read more
Business Secretary Alok Sharma has tested negative for coronavirus, it was confirmed tonight, saving Boris Johnson and other senior ministers from a potential fortnight in quarantine. The Cabinet minister spent today in self-isolation and working from home after becoming visible ill in the Commons yesterday. If he had come down with the virus, Mr Johnson and … Read more
The government dramatically saw off a revolt over ditching virtual voting tonight as the Commons descended in chaos as hundreds of MPs conducted a mile-long ‘conga’ through Parliament’s estate to vote. Amid extraordinary scenes, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and his officials were left repeatedly shouting instructions at MPs as social distancing measures required them to … Read more
Hair skew-whiff, a homely fireplace as backdrop and matey, first-name terms only. The Prime Minister appeared before a chosen collection of Westminster’s most self-regarding bobbies yesterday trying to appear as relaxed possible. It was clear, though, that events of recent days had knocked him off-kilter. His jowls were walrussy, the bags under his eyes bulging … Read more
The House of Commons is set to go into recess for nearly a fortnight from tomorrow despite coronavirus crisis – as MPs condemn plans to ditch ‘virtual’ sittings and make them attend The House of Commons is set to go into recess for nearly a fortnight tomorrow The break until June 2 comes a month … Read more
There is a fairground spookiness to Parliament at the moment. Most areas are boarded up or deserted. The long, high vaulted corridors of the Palace of Westminster are so quiet you can actually hear the nibs of the security guards scratching. But amid the unnerving hush, two eye-popping events played out yesterday in the House … Read more
Andrew Gwynne, Labour MP for Denton & Reddish, watching PMQs with one-year-old grandson Lyle It was an historic moment as British MPs sat in a ‘virtual Parliament’ for the first time ever as the coronavirus pandemic rages in Britain. But politicians taking part in Prime Minister’s Questions from the safety and comfort of their own … Read more
Parliament sets up electronic voting so MPs can pass laws without being in the Commons chamber for the first time EVER as Westminster prepares to reopen remotely tomorrow MPs are to return to ‘virtual Commons tomorrow after Easter recess break Only around 50 of 650 MPs will attend in person under coronavirus safety plans Zoom … Read more
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle tells MPs to ‘stay away’ from House of Commons after calling for a ‘virtual’ Parliament – but those who do turn up face temperatures checks on arrival Sir Lindsay Hoyle has urged Ministers not to put themselves and staff at risk Told MPs to stay home rather than travel to Westminster when … Read more