MPs will abandon virtual proceedings and return to Westminster on 2 June, the Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg has confirmed.
Rees-Mogg said today that MPs needed to be present in the chamber to ensure a “proper level of scrutiny” of the government. The Speaker has tested a new voting system that will let MPs remain six feet apart at all times, he said.
“We have to recognise that if we persist with the present arrangement it will become harder to make progress in a timely fashion. That is why, in line with government advice for those who cannot do their jobs from home, I am asking members to return to their place of work after Whitsun [recess, which ends 2 June].”
Rees-Mogg said he was working on separate plans for MPs with underlying health conditions, or who have been told they must be shielded, to see how they “can continue to contribute to proceedings within the House”.
Labour is opposing the plans.
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