Parliament is set to shut TONIGHT ‘until further notice’ after emergency coronavirus legislation goes through
Parliament is set to go into recess tonight a week early – and with no clear idea 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 are reports that the pause on proceedings could go on for longer amid the continuing crisis.
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.’