A SOUTH Lakes MP has called for the virtual recall of parliament.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has joined calls from MPs across the political spectrum for parliament to be virtually recalled so MPs can continue to represent their constituents during the coronavirus crisis.

Parliament broke up last Wednesday for recess a week early, and MPs are not due back in the Commons until April 21.

Mr Farron is calling for Prime Minister’s Questions and departmental questions to continue during recess through video conferencing.

He said: “It’s been a week since Parliament broke up.

“That could have been a week where MPs could have directly challenged ministers over the lack of testing, the desperate need for more PPE and for more support for the self-employed. I’m not interested in playing party politics - we all need to work together for the good of the country."

“But to help our constituents through this crisis, we need to be able to use Parliament to get action to help them by questioning ministers and making proposals based on the things our constituents are telling us.

“Over the past couple of weeks, businesses, organisations and groups of all shapes and sizes have adjusted to carrying on their normal business through video conferencing – if they can all do it then surely the Mother of all Parliaments can do it too.”