Tories to make MPs work longer hours and take shorter holidays

MPs would be forced to work a longer week in Parliament and give up part of their summer break under plans being considered by senior Tories.

Parliament could return early from the summer recess, in September, as David Cameron seeks to get his reforms off to a flying start if the Conservatives win the next election. Some shadow Cabinet members are even talking of the Commons sitting in August.

Shadow Commons leader Sir George Young has also proposed shifting Prime Minister's Questions from Wednesday lunchtime to Thursday evening so people can watch it after work. Such a move would make some MPs stay longer at Westminster.

The Tory plans are being discussed as Cabinet minister Harriet Harman today seeks to persuade MPs to vote to close down the Commons early for Christmas. The Commons Leader has proposed that the House rise on 16 December and return on 5 January. But the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have vowed to oppose the early rising which they say shows the Government has run out of steam.

A Tory party source played down the likelihood of an August sitting but made clear that the House could return in September.

:Article Source:thisislondon.co.uk