Tory MPs ordered not to go on holiday

CONSERVATIVE MPs have been ordered not to take holidays abroad while Parliament is sitting amid fears the Government could be brought down by losing a vote.

An email sent by the Tory whips’ office and leaked to this newspaper warns that the “parliamentary arithmetic” means rules about when MPs can skip votes are being tightened.

MPs have been told that any time away from Westminster already approved will need to be reviewed. They were also told to conduct “video calls” like Skype rather than face-toface meetings that would mean being away from the House of Commons.

It highlights the scale of concern after Mrs May’s early election left her with fewer MPs than under David Cameron. Even if the Tories secure the support of the DUP they will still only have a working majority of 13; if seven Tory MPs vote against the Government they could lose.

Traditionally MPs can skip votes by agreeing with an opposition MP that they will both sit it out – known as pairing or slipping.

However, in the email sent by Chris Pincher, the Tory whip warns: “Due to the nature of our parliamentary arithmetic, colleagues should note that opportunities for slipping, in particular for travel abroad, will be limited.

“Colleagues are advised to keep travel or absence to a minimum and... aim to arrange events for Fridays, recess dates and dates where the business is confirmed as a one-line whip.”