MPs get bumper Christmas holiday

Published: Monday, 20 October 2008, 10:14AM

MPs are being given the chance to forget the stresses and strains of dealing with the credit crunch with a bumper 24 days off at Christmas.

The decision by Leader of the Commons Harriet Harman will anger many families who are likely to struggle with the extra expense that the festive season brings.

The holiday is the longest recess since records began and is a week longer than usual. It is thought Parliament will not sit for 150 days next year.

The announcement comes as Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is said to be looking at how we can work harder.

He is said to be rethinking giving us an extra Bank Holiday, longer maternity leave and more flexitime for parents as he helps the UK economy weather the current economic turmoil.

One Conservative backbencher described the bumper recess, from December 18 to January 12, as "outrageous".

Tory MP for Shipley Philip Davies said: "Our duty is to hold the Government to account and we cannot do that if we are not in Parliament. It is clear that the Government has run out of ideas and wants to avoid such scrutiny."

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