SNP MP suspended from Commons over stunt against Internal Market Bill
Drew Hendry MP was named in the Commons after he staged an angry protest over the approval of the controversial Internal Markets Bill.
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Childish Scottish National Party MP Drew Hendry was today suspended from the House of Commons for refusing to sit down and bellowing outrage as the Brexit bill was approved.
Mr Hendry, the SNP s business spokesman, shouted this is an outrage as proceedings on the UK Internal Market Bill came to a conclusion following a lengthy parliamentary battle in recent weeks.
Deputy Speaker Dame Rosie Winterton told Mr Hendry to resume his seat but the MP refused before proceeding to pick up the parliamentary mace and walk towards the door of the chamber.
He was stopped by the doorkeepers, who took the mace from him.
Ministers have been warned it is “not safe” for MPs to travel to Westminster over the Christmas period.
Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg has yet to announce when MPs will break for Christmas given uncertainty over the Brexit talks, and the need for Parliament to be sitting should any agreement on future arrangements between the UK and EU need ratifying.
But the SNP insisted all MPs must be allowed to take part in Commons business virtually due to the health risks posed by travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Rees-Mogg last week left open the prospect of the Commons rising hours before Christmas Day and warned it would be “absolutely disgraceful” if the House was not able to enable any ratification.
Government sources say up to three households can still mix over Christmas, despite spike in Covid-19 cases
But people will be warned to think twice before meeting elderly or vulnerable family members for Christmas
Families will also be warned to stay local amid fears of traffic chaos on roads and trains packed with people
It comes as Nicola Sturgeon considers different rules for Scotland at Christmas, putting UK-wide rules at risk
Lockdown tiers live updates as scientists warn of Christmas disaster
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It comes as London and some surrounding areas prepare to enter Tier 3.
The capital and parts of the commuter belt will be placed under the toughest measures – forcing the closure of hospitality – from Wednesday following a “very sharp” rise in cases.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said higher infections in the South East may be in part due to a newly identified variant of coronavirus which is growing faster than the existing one.