MPs are preparing to return to London and resume their work in person in parliament from today.

Some politicians, such as Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron, have voiced concerns over issues of social distancing in Westminster, or that MPs that are shielding or looking after family members will be left disenfranchised by not being able to remotely vote.

Conservative MPs in Cumbria say they are looking forward to getting back to business, as they need to set an example.

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “The Government’s guidance is rightly that people who can work from home, should work from home. And for the past couple of months, I’ve been able to take part in Parliamentary debates, raise local issues, question ministers and vote all while remaining in the constituency and limiting the risk of catching and spreading the disease.

“So, I think the Government getting MPs to travel from all corners of the country to Westminster sets a shocking example and show its one rule for the Government and another for the rest of the country. Even more seriously it risks MPs picking up the virus and bringing it back with them to their constituencies. It’s important that I represent my constituents so I will go down for key votes and if I’m selected by the Speaker to raise important local issues, but otherwise I will continue to work from home.”

However, Mr Farron’s view is not shared by his fellow MPs in Barrow and Copeland.

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow, said: “I’m one of the MPs who will be back in Parliament from today. The Speaker and House authorities have done an incredible job of keeping parliament moving during these difficult times - there’s still much in the air such as how voting will work, but I’m looking forward to getting back to being physically in Westminster to speak up for Furness.”

Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, said: “I am looking forward to re-engaging with ministers and other colleagues face to face as we progress local priorities. The nuclear and farming agendas remain critical for Cumbria and I’ll be discussing the support required for tourism and high street businesses during the recovery and reinstatement phases."