Commission Statement following its meeting on 18 October
20 October 2021
The House of Commons Commission meeting 18th October
The Commission observed a one minute’s silence in memory of Sir David Amess following the tragic killing on Friday.
In light of this, an update was provided on security measures for Members. Over the weekend Members have been contacted individually by a dedicated point of contact in their local police force to discuss their security arrangements, and to ensure they are aware of all the personal safety and security support available to them from the Police and Parliament.
The Commission also discussed the latest Covid arrangements:
- Individuals are encouraged to wear face coverings in line with current Government guidance. There are some instances where face coverings will need to continue being worn:
- For some staff within the House where a risk assessment has indicated they are necessary
- Close contacts of a positive case (and is allowed to return to the estate because they are fully vaccinated) will also be expected to wear a face covering at all times.
- All non-passholders until seated in a room or inside a banqueting venue.
- Members will be able to bring personal visitors on to the estate in line with pre-Covid arrangements – although access for larger groups, including All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) will remain restricted
- House Staff can bring visitors in to the House for essential business
- House Staff and all other non-Member passholder groups can bring visitors in non-sitting days when pre-Covid access rules will apply.