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COVID-19: MPs pack House of Commons for first time in 17 months - but make different choices on face masks

It was the first time since March 2020 that MPs were crammed together with no requirement to follow social distancing guidelines or to wear a mask - and they had to be there in person in order to directly contribute to the debate.

Boris Johnson speaking on the situation in Afghanistan to a packed House of Commons
Image: Boris Johnson speaking on the situation in Afghanistan to a packed House of Commons
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The House of Commons has seen packed benches for the first time since COVID gripped the UK - with different choices being made by MPs across the chamber on whether to wear a face mask.

With parliament recalled to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, MPs sat shoulder-to-shoulder on both sides of the House.

Most on the Labour and opposition benches chose to opt for a face covering, but many Tories decided not to.

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Most MPs on the opposition benches chose to wear a face covering
Image: Most MPs on the opposition benches chose to wear a face covering

It was the first time since March 2020 that MPs were crammed into the House with no requirement to follow social distancing guidelines or to wear a mask.

The emergency debate was the first to be held under the post-COVID parliament rules where MPs had to attend in person in order to say something.

MPs are no longer able to dial into Commons proceedings via services such as Zoom, which became the norm during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Ahead of the debate, civil service and public sector union boss Dave Penman urged MPs to show their respect to parliamentary colleagues and staff by wearing face coverings.

On Twitter, the general secretary of the FDA civil service union called for MPs to "demonstrate you care".

However, only a few MPs sitting on the benches behind Boris Johnson were seen wearing a mask as the prime minister opened the debate.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab chose not to use any face covering.

Last month Mr Javid was forced to issue an apology after he was widely criticised for saying people should no longer "cower" from the coronavirus.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Therese Coffey, the work and pensions secretary, were also among those sitting on the front bench not wearing a face mask.

The Tory benches were mostly filled with MPs choosing not to use face coverings
Image: The Tory benches were mostly filled with MPs choosing not to use face coverings

Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt could be seen on the Conservative benches immediately behind Mr Johnson, but was mostly seen wearing a mask.

Ex-prime minister Theresa May was also at odds with many of the Tory MPs sitting around her as she donned a blue face covering, only removing it when she made an early contribution to the debate.

On the opposition benches, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford were among those using face masks.

Former prime minister Theresa May only removed her face mask when speaking during the debate
Image: Former prime minister Theresa May only removed her face mask when speaking during the debate

Ahead of making a contribution, some MPs and party leaders wearing a mask would remove the covering several minutes before speaking.

Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle set out to MPs moments before the debate started how proceedings had returned to what was last experienced 17 months ago.

He said: "I wish to remind the House that the provisions which allow for the hybrid participation in the chamber are no longer in place.

"All contributions to proceedings will once again be made from within this chamber."

The House of Commons was packed with MPs for the first time since March 2020
Image: The House of Commons was packed with MPs for the first time since March 2020

Asked why a number of MPs were not wearing masks in the House of Commons, the prime minister's official spokesman said it was a matter for the parliamentary authorities.

The spokesman said the advice "still remains" that face coverings should be worn in indoor crowded spaces.

But he added: "The arrangements for the House are a matter for the parliamentary authorities, as you know masks are not a mandatory requirement."