Coronavirus to give Atherstone MP Craig Tracey and his Westminster colleagues an early Easter break
By Nick Hudson 25th Mar 2020
Atherstone MP Craig Tracey should soon be heading home to his constituency home as Parliament is likely to adjourn for an early Easter recess after the emergency coronavirus legislation to tackle the crisis has been approved.
The North Warwickshire member will be waiting on the outcome of a motion tabled by House of Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg for MPs to rise later today until April 21.
The Coronavirus Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent and become law before the end of Wednesday after MPs from all sides agreed to let it pass without formal votes.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said he was "certain" MPs will return after the Easter recess to review whether Parliament should reopen during the coronavirus pandemic.
"Once that's happened (the passing of the Coronavirus Bill) then it may be a sensible thing to close Parliament down for the recess and then review that at the end of the recess after Easter," he said.
"But obviously Parliament has to lead by example, follow the guidelines wherever it can, and ensure that we protect the staff that work in Parliament as well."
Mr Jenrick said he was unaware whether Mr Rees-Mogg will call for a fixed return date.
But he added: "I'm certain that Parliament will return after the Easter holidays.
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"Most of us, I think, do want Parliament to continue.
"It is really important, however deep and serious this crisis, that Parliament in some form continues to operate because you as citizens want to ensure your MPs are holding the Government to account.
"We live in a democracy, and it's essential there's scrutiny of the steps that the Government is taking."
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