Parliament is set to shut for a month TONIGHT after emergency coronavirus laws go through with plans for just a ‘few MPs’ to attend sittings after Easter
- Parliament set to rise for the Easter recess a week early aimd coronavirus crisis
- The Houses will rise after emergency legislation goes through the Lord tonight
- Return date of April 21 has been set but plans for just a few MPs to attend sittings
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Parliament is set to go into recess tonight a week early – and with doubts over when it will return.
Ministers have tabled a motion for the House to rise after emergency coronavirus legislation goes on the statute books.
Although a date of April 21 has been pencilled in for a return, there has been mounting speculation that the pause on proceedings could go on for longer amid the continuing crisis.
However, senior sources told MailOnline there is no question of Parliament being put out of action indefinitely.
One said politicians would be back next month ‘if only to extend the recess’. They suggested sittings will be drastically scaled back with ‘only a few MPs attending’.
A senior government source added: ‘Parliament must return. We’ll find a way.’
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘Parliament will return after the Easter break in the normal way’
Parliament was due to close for a three-week Easter break from March 31, but a motion the order paper proposes that it starts a week early.
Parliament was due to close for a three-week Easter break from March 31, but a motion the order paper proposes that it starts a week early
There have been fears that MPS could be ‘super spreaders’ as they see so many people in different parts of the country.
Westminster has already closed to visitors and reduced the number of MPs in the chamber so they can be more spaced out, in keeping with ‘social distancing’ rules.
Votes have been kept to a minimum, but Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle has said any divisions will be held more slowly to avoid a crush in the narrow counting lobbies.
The motion being put forward by House of Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg tonight states: ‘That this House, at its rising today, do adjourn until Tuesday 21 April 2020.’
The House of Lords, is expected to approve emergency legislation later giving authorities sweeping powers to tackle the growing coronavirus outbreak.
The motion being put forward by House of Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg tonight states: ‘That this House, at its rising today, do adjourn until Tuesday 21 April 2020.’