Commons staff banned from removing tailcoats

House of Commons staff have been banned from taking off their tailcoats in committee rooms in the heatwave, even though MPS are allowed to, it has emerged.

Andrew Bowie MP expressed concern that staff were not allowed to remove their heavy wool jackets during a public bill committee meeting, despite temperatures of 84F (29C).

In Parliament, Mr Bowie said: “We are luckily liberated to remove our jackets. It has been brought to my attention that the same courtesy is not extended to doorkeepers.”

John Bercow, the Speaker, expressed agreement but did not promise a review of the rules.