House of Commons: Coronavirus

(asked on 20th May 2020) - View Source

Question to the Leader of the House:

To ask the Leader of the House, whether he has made an assessment of the implications for his policy on the House returning on 2 June 2020 of regional variations in the risk of contracting covid-19.


Answered by
Jacob Rees-Mogg Portrait
Jacob Rees-Mogg
This question was answered on 2nd June 2020

As I have made clear in my recent appearances in the House, it is my belief that the House of Commons cannot be as effective in carrying out its constitutional duties without its members here.

The government is examining the regional effects of its measures to tackle covid-19, and any further advice on easing the lockdown will be considered carefully against the five tests. However, the return of the House physically is in line with government and scientific advice that those who cannot work from home should now return to work.

I would like to commend the work of the House of Commons Commission, which is making every effort to ensure that the parliamentary estate will be Covid-19 secure, just like any other workplace. Parliament will be following strict social distancing rules; the chamber will be limited to a maximum number of participants and division lobbies will be replaced by a more appropriate alternative.

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