Robin Cook is planning to abolish late-night votes and all-night sittings in the Commons, reducing an MP’s working week to four days, 10am to 5pm each day. The Labour member for Bethnal Green and Bow, Oona King, says the current hours mean only “people prepared to be abnormal” become MPs.
Now, I appreciate that Members of Parliament don’t stop being members when they leave the Commons as their work inevitably extends their day. But I guess they feel they are being exploited by having to work long hours to discharge their duties.
This could also perhaps be said of teachers, with the long hours they work outside their designated place of work. So what are considered normal hours of work?
Phil Coates, Wakefield
