Labour accuses ministers of ‘rank hypocrisy’ over new immigration system amid fears it will block ‘low-skilled’ NHS and care workers who have played key role during coronavirus crisis from being able to come to the UK The Government’s flagship Immigration Bill due to be debated this afternoon It paves the way for introduction of Australia-style … 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 & Reddishwatching 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 homes … 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 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 Commons returns Comes after he urged Government to find ways for Parliament … Read more
Parliament will reopen digitally in little over a week’s time to allow ministers to face scrutiny over their much-criticised handling of the coronavirus pandemic, it was confirmed today. The House of Commons will sit on April 21, the scheduled end of its Easter recess, despite the UK continuing to be under a stringent lockdown. Ministers, … Read more
Green MP Caroline Lucas broke Commons rules by charging £150 a head for 30-minute personal guided tours of Parliament, standards watchdog rules Caroline Lucas has apologised for her actions following an investigation She offered the tours through a crowdfunding site to raise money last year Parliamentary tours cost £26.50 per adult, but are free for … Read more
A stripped back House of Commons met at lunchtime today for PMQs as MPs were told to stay away unless they were asking a question in a desperate bid to stop the spread of coronavirus in Westminster. Parliament attempted to set an example to the nation as MPs were told to comply with the government’s social … Read more
Pepys, famed for writing an eye-opening diary, was an MP from 1679 to 1688 A secret doorway which would have been used by diarist Samuel Pepys has been rediscovered in the House of Commons. The entrance, which was created for the procession to the Coronation banquet of Charles II, dates back 360 years. It would also … Read more