Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to close Parliament and advise peers to work from home.

In line with the latest Government advice and guidance from Public Health England, all visitor access to the Parliamentary estate stopped from 17 March. Access will be restricted to passholders and those on essential Parliamentary business.

This decision has been taken by the Speakers and supported by clerks of both Houses, and Parliamentary authorities. Hon. Members, noble Lords, Parliamentary staff and other members of the Parliamentary community will continue to be able to work on the estate where necessary but are being strongly encouraged to work from home where possible and to follow the latest guidance on social distancing.