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Masks in Commons: Jacob Rees-Mogg and Pete Wishart

Jacob Rees-Mogg says a "convivial fraternal spirit" means the Conservatives do not need to wear masks in the Commons.

The Commons leader said those on government benches knew each other, and teased Pete Wishart that may he may not want to mix with SNP MPs who sat with him in the Commons.

Tory MPs can make own choice on face masks, says minister

21 October 2021

Conservative Party

Coronavirus lockdown measures

Jacob Rees-Mogg

SNP (Scottish National Party)

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Angela Rayner at the dispatch box in the Commons at PMQs

PMQs: Deputies clash over latest inflation figures

Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs in the Commons.

Watch: PM and Badenoch react to Trump's victory at PMQs

Leading Tory party 'is the most enormous honour'

John Swinney standing in Holyrood's debating chamber. He is wearing a blue suit and dark tie and other MSPs can be seen behind him.

First minister leads tributes to Alex Salmond

Scotland Politics

Rishi Sunak wearing a blue suit and a grey tie, standing in the Commons

Sunak on Budget: Broken promise after broken promise

Rachel Reeves

Budget choices are not easy but responsible - Reeves

Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs

Starmer thanks Sunak for hard work, commitment and decency

Rachel Reeves

Watch: Reeves 'deeply proud' to be first female chancellor

Three pallbearers take Alex Salmond's coffin into a church. The coffin is draped in a saltire and has flowers on top.

Watch: Alex Salmond's coffin at church and cortege led by piper

Scotland Politics

Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison sitting in front of a backdrop showing Dundee and the Tay Bridge.

UK Budget 'needs to invest in services and infrastructure'

Scotland Politics

Patrick Harvie said the Scottish Greens had a responsibility to engage with the process in good faith.

Scottish Greens warn SNP not to take support for granted

Scotland Politics

Baron Mackinlay of Richborough in formal robes shaking hands in the House of Lords.

'Bionic lord' takes up seat in Parliament

Stephen Flynn

Alex Salmond 'most talented politician of his generation' - Flynn

Scotland Politics

Mason happy to repeat 'no genocide' claim after SNP expulsion

Mason happy to repeat 'no genocide' claim after SNP expulsion

Scotland Politics

Mark Donfield wearing a blue suit and tie, being interviewed on Zoom about Alex Salmond

Alex Salmond collapsed 'all of a sudden' - conference organiser

Scotland Politics

John Swinney

'He inspired a generation to believe in Scottish independence'

Scotland Politics

Alex Salmond standing at a podium during campaigning for the 2014 independence referendum.

Key moments of Alex Salmond's life and career... in 107 seconds

Scotland Politics

Boris Johnson wearing a suit and headphones speaking into a mic in a BBC radio studio

Watch: Fiery exchange as Boris Johnson asked if he is a 'liar'

John Swinney was speaking in Glasgow as he launched a party leaflet about Scottish independence.

Swinney plans to 'build confidence in independence'

Scotland Politics

John Swinney

'No shortcut to independence' - Swinney

Lindsay Hoyle dragged by both arms

Watch: Moment Speaker dragged to Commons chair

In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

Correspondent Ben Chu

Quick take on Labour's energy plan

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

Chris Mason and Mark Logan

Watch: Former Tory MP says he is backing Labour

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Factory workers in Milton Keynes

Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

Keir Starmer

I want the highest quality candidates - Starmer

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

Carla Denyer

Greens launch campaign target of 'at least four' MPs

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak tells Chris Mason: Yes, I am changing minds

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

Not true Abbott barred from standing - Starmer

The Labour leader says no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott.

Keir Starmer

Starmer pleased Rayner has been 'vindicated'

Labour's leader says he always had confidence in his deputy with the row over her council house sale.

Ed Davey falls from a paddle board

Going, going, gone: Ed Davey takes a dip in Windermere

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

Rishi Sunak

Watch: PM criticises Sir Keir Starmer's campaign speeches

The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Nigel Farage

Labour and Tories are both 'social democrats', says Farage

Nigel Farage was speaking in Dover, as part of his campaign for Reform UK.

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

Rachel Reeves

Reeves: No return to austerity under Labour

The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

Rishi Sunak

Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.