SNP to stay away as MPS told they should ‘set example’ by turning up
SNP MPS will not return to Westminster until Scottish Government guidance changes to allow people back to work, the party has said as the UK Government moved to return parliament to normal.
New guidance states parliament should “move towards further physical proceedings” after several weeks of virtual meetings.
All Scottish MPS have remained in their constituencies since the Easter recess, with several of them warning that travel to Westminster every week would be impossible while widespread restrictions to transport remain in place.
“It is vital that Parliament can continue to scrutinise the Government, consider the Government’s ambitious legislative agenda and legislate to support the Covid-19 response,” the guidance says.
“Parliament must set a national example of how business can continue in this new normal; and it must move, in step with public health guidance, to get back to business as part of this next step, including a move towards further physical proceedings in the House of Commons.”
SNP deputy Westminster group leader Kirsty Blackman said her party would “continue to follow the clear guidance in Scotland to stay at home and save lives.
“It has been shown that Westminster can operate with virtual sittings and that is how we will continue to hold the UK government to account.
“Enabling MPS to participate virtually is part of the new normal and the different rules in each nation must be respected - as recommended by the House of Commons Procedure Committee.
“There is no need to increase the rate of infections and put lives at risk by encouraging MPS and staff to travel hundreds of miles back and forth to London, from constituencies across the UK, in the middle of a public health emergency.”
MSPS from all parties including the SNP have continued to attend meetings of the Scottish Parliament, where social distancing measures have been impoased in the chamber and throughout the building.