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Tories vow to stop Harman closing early for Christmas
Nicholas Cecil, Deputy Political Editor23 Nov 2009
The Conservatives today sought to stop Harriet Harman closing the Commons early for Christmas.
They vowed to oppose a move by the Commons Leader to start the winter recess on 16 December, one of the earliest dates for the House to rise for 20 years.
They accused the Government of wanting to pack up so early because it had "run out of steam".
Ms Harman has tabled a motion for MPs to leave the Commons on 16 December and return on 5 January. It would normally go through with no debate this evening.
Shadow Commons leader Sir George Young said: "We will be voting against this."
Lib-Dem MP Norman Baker said the date "underlines that the Government has run out of ideas".
The recess would actually be shorter than last year. A spokesman for Ms Harman said: "The motion is on the order paper for approval."
Reader views (6)
The good thing is if the house closes, it gives Labour less time to "slash & burn" ahead of the next election.
- Very Angry At Mp'S Expenses, Home Counties, 24/11/2009 09:19
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They've only just got back from the summer break. The country's in enough trouble as it is, how much worse would it be if we all worked the same hours as MPs?
- Paul, London, 24/11/2009 08:29
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She`s probably got lots of christmas shopping to do - bless her.
- Brian G, Norfolk Gorleston, 23/11/2009 18:31
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Let them pack their satchels on the 16th, we can have an election on the 17th and a new government in time for Christmas.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one, 23/11/2009 16:10
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Harpy wants eqauality but doesn't want to work the hours!
- Tojo, Hythe, Kent, 23/11/2009 15:12
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Funny really, Harman claims that politics would be better with more women in it. Yet she as 'Leader' of the House and a 'woman', has knowingly presided over the most corrupt bunch of MPs of all time.
Hypocritical, employ double standards, above the Law, female? Then join the Labour party now.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 23/11/2009 14:36
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