Why is the Leader of the House only listening to safety concerns now when Prospect has been warning about them for weeks?

There have been reports that senior MPs have complained that some of their colleagues in the House of Commons are failing to abide by safe distancing rules.

Weeks ago Prospect, which represents staff on the parliamentary estate, warned that this was happening and asked for rules regarding taking photos in parliament to be lifted so that uncomfortable staff could report breaches. This request was declined.

Garry Graham, Prospect deputy general secretary,  said:

“Prospect has warned about social distancing in parliament and been repeatedly rebuffed when presenting possible solutions to it such as allowing staff witnessing breaches to be protected should they take a photo of said breach.

“Now we have senior MPs warning specifically that there are MPs not abiding by the rules which has prompted calls for MPs to wear masks in some situations like voting.

“A cynic would ask why the Leader of the House suddenly takes an interest when a handful of his mates have concerns but ignores the collective voice of the parliamentary workers who have been asking for action for weeks.”