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Rees-Mogg’s mask slips on face coverings

Leon Neal/Getty Images

Since his Grenfell gaffe in the last election, Jacob Rees-Mogg has kept a much lower media profile, to the consternation of sketch writers across the nation. The Leader of the House now mostly saves his quips, riffes and various bon mots for his appearances at the dispatch box, announcing the government timetable or rapping New Order.

Fortunately the ‘Honourable Member for the 18th century’ does still maintain a regular podcast with ConservativeHome to offer us glimpses into his true feelings about various shenanigans in Westminster and Whitehall. Ahead of the easing of Covid restrictions next Monday, the North East Somerset MP was asked about the future of face masks, given the detectable shift in tone from ministers in the past week.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid told the Commons yesterday that ‘it is expected and recommended’ people should wear face coverings in places like public transport and Boris Johnson told his press conference ;we expect and recommend that people wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet.’

But for Rees-Mogg the position was about context and common sense:

This morning, I wandered around the Palace of Westminster wearing a mask and met almost nobody. In those circumstances, I will not be wearing a mask, what would be the point? From whom am I protecting myself or whom am I protecting? So, then you get to the question of, if you’re in a very crowded space, would you decide that you wanted to wear a mask. Well you may, but if you’ve had both vaccines your risk of transmitting the disease is slight so in a way you’ve done your societal bit by having the vaccine as much as by wearing a mask, which is why I think it is sensibly individual choice.

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Steerpike
Written by
Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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