UK Covid news LIVE: Omicron surges in London as Boris faces Tory anger over Plan B move

A return to a virtual Parliament has been dismissed by Jacob Rees-Mogg, despite people being encouraged to work from home.

SNP Commons leader Pete Wishart said: “Yesterday the Prime Minister said you should work from home if you can. Well, this House has shown that it can with our virtual participation and proxy voting.

“After the loss of public trust we now have an opportunity to lead by example and do exactly what the Prime Minister says, so will he take the Prime Minister’s calling seriously? For the sake of the people that work in here, for the sake of the people we serve, will he now turn back on the virtual Parliament?”

Mr Rees-Mogg replied: “Of course we should be here working. What the Government has said in its guidance is that you should not go into work if you don’t need to.

“Parliament does not work properly with people absent, and it is very disappointing that the Opposition is so lily-livered about holding the Government to account that it wants to go back home early – that’s not how democracy should work.”

The Cabinet Secretary’s investigation can be relied upon to be independent, a minister has said.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Ellis also assured MPs of the independence of the police from Government.

Labour MP for York Central Rachael Maskell called into question the integrity of the internal investigation into the alleged Downing Street Christmas parties which was announced by the Prime Minister, saying her constituents had “no confidence” in the investigation.

Mr Ellis replied: “The Cabinet Secretary is independent. The cabinet secretaries in this country serve all the political parties dependent on who is in government and they can be relied upon to investigate the matter fully, independently and we will await the results of his investigation.”

Jacob Rees-Mogg told MPs the Commons is still scheduled to rise for Christmas on December 16, amid reports the recess could be brought forward to December 14.

The Commons Leader also confirmed new Covid-19 measures for England will be debated and voted on next Tuesday.

He added: “At the conclusion of business on Thursday December 16 the House will rise for the Christmas recess and return on Wednesday January 5.”

MPs were told Cabinet Secretary and civil service chief Simon Case, who is leading the Christmas party investigation, was “not at any relevant gathering”.

Michael Ellis said: “My understanding is the Cabinet Secretary has denied any attendance at any gathering that is the subject of this matter.

“The reality of the matter is that he therefore can be said to be completely separate at the head of the civil service and able to conduct a thorough investigation, as one would expect from someone with his seniority.

“He has, I’m told, indicated he was not at any relevant gathering.”

Dame Rosemary Squire, joint chief executive of theatre operator Trafalgar Entertainment, welcomed new rules on mask-wearing and use of the NHS Covid pass in venues.

She said in a statement: “There are positives and negatives in the announcements made last night. We’re encouraged that the Government has acknowledged that theatres are a safe environment by not extending the ‘proof of vaccination’ rules to indoor seated settings at our scale. This is a proportionate response and one which recognises the energy, hard work and commitment that the whole industry has put in to ensure Covid-safe operation since reopening.

“Similarly, the changes to the 10-day self-isolation rules are balanced and will be hugely helpful to producers in keeping shows open and touring through the winter. This is a positive step for an industry still recovering from the worst period in its history.”

She added: “Our sector was ahead of the game in recommending that face-coverings should be worn in theatres (unless exempt or consuming food and drink in bars or auditoriums) and, whilst there will be some challenges for our venue teams in enforcing the new rules, we welcome the fact that this move provides a clear and consistent line on this issue. We hope it will offer further reassurance to customers, performers and venue staff.

“However, whilst these measures will increase confidence for some, there is a danger that further restrictions may amplify concern for others particularly our more vulnerable audience members. We expect to be fielding calls as a result; and after a fairly extraordinary bounce-back over recent months we are concerned at the potential for some customers simply to ‘stay-away’ over the crucial Christmas period.”

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has granted Labour an urgent question on the details of the investigation into Downing Street Christmas parties.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Fleur Anderson will ask the question from 10.30am.

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab is self-isolating after coming into contact earlier in the week with the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, who has since tested positive for coronavirus.

Barnaby Joyce confirmed he tested positive while travelling in Washington DC and is now self-isolating.

Before arriving in the US, he had travelled to London and is believed to have met Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Mr Raab.

A spokeswoman for Mr Raab said: “He is getting tested and he is self-isolating while we wait to hear whether the Australian Deputy Prime Minister has Omicron or not.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps cancelled an HS2-related visit to Durham on Thursday after coming into contact earlier in the week with the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, who has since tested positive for coronavirus.

Barnaby Joyce confirmed he tested positive while travelling in Washington DC and is now self-isolating.

Before arriving in the US, he had travelled to London and is believed to have met both Mr Shapps and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab.

Mr Shapps tweeted: “Sorry not to be travelling to @HitachiRailENG in County Durham today to welcome huge new @HS2ltd rolling stock contract.

“Have taken precaution of cancelling visit & have taken PCR test after being in contact with Australian Deputy PM this week – who’s tested positive for Covid.”

Mr Joyce, who is fully vaccinated, said in a Facebook post on Thursday that he had been experiencing mild symptoms and decided to get tested. He said he will remain in isolation while seeking further advice.

Senior Downing Street media advier Ed Oldfield has refused to respond to questions, after he was seen joking about the alleged Downing Street Christmas party with Allegra Stratton, who resigned yesterday.

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said people should be “diligent” when getting together in groups, and test themselves for Covid-19 beforehand.

Asked if she was happy for Christmas parties to go ahead, Ms Rayner told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I think people are looking at this now and they’re looking at whether or not they can get together and how they do that.

“People should be diligent about that. Obviously the more we interact in groups, especially in indoor settings, the more opportunity there is for the virus to spread.

“We’ve been very clear from the Labour Party that if you are going out to an event, a Christmas party or an event, that you should take a test beforehand and therefore you’ll know that you’re safe and you’re keeping other people safe.”