Johnson and Javid disagree over mask use in Commons

A SUGGESTION by Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, that MPS should wear masks in the Commons chamber, has been slapped down by No 10 as Boris Johnson’s spokesman said it was a “matter of personal judgement”.

Mr Javid told a news briefing on Wednesday night that politicians “have a role to play to set an example” on mask-wearing in enclosed spaces.

However, the Prime Minister’s spokesman and Jacob Rees-mogg, the Leader of the House of Commons, insisted that MPS can choose whether they wear face coverings at work.

No10 appeared surprised that Mr Javid had issued the call and declined to support his advice, pointing instead to the guidance on wearing face coverings around strangers.

Asked by Pete Wishart, his SNP counterpart, about the Health Secretary’s comments, Mr Rees-mogg said: “There is no advice to wear face masks in workplaces. The advice on crowded spaces is with crowded spaces with people that you don’t know. We on this side know each other.”

He joked that “it may be that the honourable gentleman doesn’t like mixing with his own side”, adding “but we on this side have a more convivial, fraternal spirit, and therefore are following the guidance of Her Majesty’s Government”.

Mr Johnson’s spokesman said that since Mr Javid’s remarks he had not discussed the wearing of masks with the Prime Minister– who was visiting Northern Ireland yesterday for the centenary of the partition of Ireland.

However, the spokesman declined to back the comments, instead telling reporters: “It remains the case that it’s a matter of personal judgment for all individuals on wearing a mask.

“We have very clear guidance which sets out that people are recommended to wear face coverings in crowded, enclosed spaces where they come into contact with people they do not normally meet.”