Ban MPs from the Commons if they refuse to wear a mask, say unions

MPs who refuse to wear a face mask should be banned from the Commons chamber, a group of unions has said.

Masks are compulsory for parliamentary staff under advice from the Commons Speaker, but optional for MPs as they are not employed by Parliament.

But, unions say the Speaker could stop those who don't wear a face covering from entering the Commons chamber.

From 19 July, the legal requirement to wear a mask in enclosed public spaces in England will be removed.

Instead, Boris Johnson has said the government "expects and recommends" that face coverings are worn in crowded and enclosed spaces.

On Monday, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle wrote to MPs setting out how rules would change following the easing of coronavirus restrictions on 19 July.

"Members will be encouraged to continue wearing face coverings, and all others on the estate will be required to wear them while moving around the estate or entering venues," he said.

A spokesperson for the Speaker later added: "We have no employment or contractual relationship with Members which would enable us to mandate the wearing of masks."

A number of MPs have expressed anger that, unlike their staff, they will not be compelled to wear face coverings.

Labour MP Karl Turner described the situation as "crackers" asking: "Are we less infectious, are we not going to spread Covid?"

He said "anybody with an ounce of decency" would opt to wear a face covering.

In a joint letter, the GMB, FDA, PCS, Unite and Prospect unions urged the Commons Speaker to reconsider the guidance.

It reads: "It would be fair to say that the reaction of staff across Parliament has been one of incredulity, anger and concern.

"This is a stark example of how rules in Parliament apply only to some and not to others."

The unions noted that the Speaker can prevent an MP from accessing the House of Commons chamber if they are dressed inappropriately and suggested that the same power could be extended to those MPs not wearing a mask.

They also argued that shops, museums and theatres do not have an "employment relationship" with customers but can still require them to wear a mask.

The FDA union - which represents clerks in Parliament - has threatened to name and shame those MPs who don't wear a mask in Parliament.

General Secretary Dave Penman said: "It is extraordinary that Parliament can recognise this important public safety measure is necessary, but find no means to enforce it with MPs themselves.

Meanwhile, the Prospect union has written to all MPs asking them "to commit to continuing to wear a mask in accordance with the rules for other parliamentary staff".