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Coronavirus: Speaker accuses government of 'total disregard' for parliament after new rules given to media before MPs

 (Independent)
(Independent)

Lindsay Hoyle has reprimanded the government for failing to deliver a statement to the Commons on new coronavirus restrictions, urging Matt Hancock to apologise to MPs.

After No 10 changed guidance on social gatherings in a briefing on Tuesday evening, the Commons speaker said: “I accept decisions have been taken in a fast moving situation but timings for statements are well known to ministers.

“It’s really not good enough for the government to make decisions of this kind in the way in which show insufficient regard for the importance of major policy announcements being made first to this House and members wherever possible.

Watch: What are the latest rules on social gatherings in England?

“Can I say to him I’ve already sent a letter to the secretary of state. I think the total disregard for this chamber is not acceptable.”

The Speaker said he had written to Mr Hancock and criticised his "total disregard" for the Commons, adding: "I expect the Secretary of State to apologise to members and make sure that this chamber knows first of when he was fully aware of what was going to be said later.

"And let me say, if this minister wants to run this chamber ragged I can assure you now I'm sure a UQ (urgent question) every day might just begin to run him ragged."

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