PISTE OFF
MPs demand refunds from taxpayers for half-term holidays as their February break is cancelled to work on Brexit
Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom today announced the February recess would be scrapped
FURIOUS MPs today demanded a refund from taxpayers as they were forced to cancel their half-term holidays.
Politicians were ordered to scrap their February break to work on Brexit.
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It's understood that within hours several called up the expenses watchdog and demanded a refund for the holiday plans they've already paid for.
But they were told they're NOT entitled to any cash - because they've been given two weeks' notice.
Commons staff such as clerks, doorkeepers and kitchen workers will get money back if they have to scrap their plans.
The Sun reported last week that ministers were on the verge of cancelling the week-long recess due to start on February 15.
Today Mrs Leadsom confirmed the plan, saying: "The house may need to continue to sit to make progress on the busines 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.
"I am very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause to colleagues, house staff and their families.
"Where house staff are concerned, conversations are under way to ensure that disruption is limited and no one is out of pocket. Where members have family, ministerial or constituency commitments, the usual channels will work hard with them to limit the inconvenience."
BREXIT RUSH
She has privately warned No10 that cancelling recess could cause a revolt from exhausted MPs desperate for a break.
But Theresa May's officials were worried that it would look terrible for politicians to jet off on holiday just six weeks before Brexit.
MPs welcomed the move - Labour's Luke Pollard said: "Brexit is such a mess that I would be happy working every day between now and Brexit day to help ministers to sort out the mess they’ve got the country in."
But Lib Dem Layla Moran warned: "They’d better have some decent stuff for us to get on with or this is pointless window dressing and cruel to our staff."
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As well as cancelling recess, ministers are expected to summon MPs to sit on Fridays and weekends in the weeks to come.
They're increasingly worried there may not be enough time to get all the necessary legislation through Parliament in time for the scheduled Brexit date of March 29.
Today Jeremy Hunt became the most senior figure to suggest that our EU departure could have to be delayed.
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