One in four MPs set to miss special 'Brexit sitting' to be with families over half-term
1 min read
At least 100 MPs are expected to miss a special Brexit sitting of the House of Commons so they can spend time with their families over half term.
Ministers came under fire for this week calling off the planned Parliamentary recess because of Brexit negotiations - while still allowing MPs to go on holiday.
MPs have until early next week to submit "slips" asking to be excused to party bosses so whips can pair them with opposing MPs.
But one minister told The Telegraph that they expected about a quarter of the House of Commons’ 650 MPs to be absent during the period, while a source predicted that more than 100 MPs would stay away.
A minister told the paper: "It’s all hands on deck let’s get this done.
"Those who can will be there to do their job to make sure everything is ready for the 29th – and those who can’t because they want to take children on holiday – it’s fine."
A spokesperson for Ipsa, which regulates MPs' pay and expenses, said on Friday: "Ipsa does not compensate MPs for the cancellation of holidays when recess is cancelled in advance.
"The rules only allow MPs to claim back costs if they have to cancel vacations to return to the Houses of Commons."
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