MPs told to wear masks in Parliament amid rising Covid cases

Some MPs chose not to wear face masks during the chancellor's Budget last month

MPs and peers have been told to wear face masks in Parliament following a rise in Covid cases in the building.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle urged MPs to follow the Parliamentary authorities' guidance, saying they should "pull together" to stop the spread of infections.

He added that the measures would be reviewed in two weeks' time.

Most opposition MPs have opted to wear a mask, but many Conservatives have not.

Last week, face coverings became mandatory for staff employed by the House of Commons, unless they have a legitimate exemption - but it was left up to individual MPs to decide whether to cover their faces or not.

Last month, Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said Conservative MPs did not need to wear masks because they knew each other well, and this meant they were complying with government guidance.

The latest advice says people in England should cover their faces around "people you don't normally meet".

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Asked if the prime minister would wear a mask in Parliament, Downing Street said Boris Johnson had worn one last week in the Commons and "you can expect to see the same again".

The PM's spokesman said the government was "not telling people what they need to do" because "Plan A relies heavily on people's own decisions."

But he added that rules in Parliament were a matter for the parliamentary authorities.

Pictures of Mr Johnson not wearing a mask at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow have prompted criticism of his behaviour on social media.

The PM's spokesman said Mr Johnson had abided by the guidance throughout the conference, adding "delegates are not required to wear a mask while seated".

Boris Johnson sitting between UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough at the COP26 conference

In a statement, a parliamentary spokesperson said their priority was "to ensure that those on the estate are safe" and warned that "recent increases in Covid across the country... are also being reflected in Parliament".

"The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has determined that the risk of transmission on the Parliamentary Estate is now greater.

"As a consequence, some further action is being taken to ensure that case numbers do not continue to rise."

The new measures include cancellation of non-parliamentary business activity such as tours and banqueting activity - in addition to asking MPs and peers to wear face coverings.

People in Parliament have also been asked to maintain social distancing - particularly in committees where the risk of transmission is believed to be greater.

Committee chairs have been urged to take a stronger role in ensuring MPs comply with coronavirus rules.

'Alice in Wonderland'

Labour MP Ben Bradshaw tweeted: "You get chucked out of Parliament for not wearing a jacket and tie.

"If you won't wear a mask, a recommended public health measure to protect others, nothing. What an antediluvian Alice in Wonderland this remains."

Conservative Karl McCartney complained that the new measures had been introduced without consulting MPs first.

Sir Lindsay replied that he was "pleased" with the way he had raised the concern but added it was different from the "pretty offensive" email he had received from the MP earlier.

He said he respected the MPs' views but insisted the House had to "work together".

"We've come this far because the House has pulled together.

"I want to help and support you... but in fairness we have had an increase in Covid-19 across the House."

He said the parliamentary authorities had decided to take further action "to ensure case numbers do not continue to rise" and urged members not to "undermine the officials of the House".