MPs’ February break 'cancelled' over Brexit
Video report by ITV News Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen
MPs' February break could be cancelled as the Government struggles to make progress on Brexit.
Labour Whips Twitter account announced on Thursday morning that recess had been called off after Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom said the House may need to continue to sit to “make progress on the key business”.
Ms Leadsom apologised for the announcement and said full details of when the Commons would be sitting in February will be revealed soon.
Her remarks came after she announced the business for next week, which included no Brexit legislation, but did include a general debate on beer taxation and pubs.
The Commons was expected to rise at the end of business on February 14 and return on February 25.
However, time is running out for the Commons to approve all necessary legislation ahead of Brexit on March 29.
Mrs Leadsom told MPs: “The House will know that recess dates are always announced subject to the process of business.
“In this unique session of Parliament and in light of the significant decisions taken by the House this week, it is only right that I give the House notice that there are currently no plans to bring forward a motion to agree dates for the February recess, and the House may therefore need to continue to sit to make progress on the key business before the House.
“I realise that this is short notice for colleagues and House staff, but I do think our constituents would expect that the House is able to continue to make progress at this important time.”
Her decision was criticised by the Valerie Vaz, shadow leader of the Commons who said the Government is "staggering from one week to the next".
The Labour frontbencher said: "I cannot possibly imagine what MPs are going through with this announcement.
"Can the leader of the House please say ... what provision will be given to MPs for their children?
"It can't be right that MPs have to support their children in that way without the Government stepping in and providing provision for it."