Rishi Sunak urged to force 'lazy' MPs to hold weekly ops as New Year's resolution

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MPs traditionally held weekly "walk-in" surgeries at advertised locations for constituents to come and share their concerns and seek help from their MP

The Prime Minister has also been asked to set a minimum number of sitting days for the Commons (

Image: PA)

Rishi Sunak was asked to force lazy MPs to organize weekly ops as a New Year's resolution.

A new set of 'contractual obligations', suggested by True and Fair party leader Gina Miller, would make regular meetings with the public mandatory for all MPs - and help 'restore trust and ethical behavior in politics".

MPs traditionally held weekly "walk-in" surgeries at advertised locations for constituents to come and share their concerns and ask their MP for help.

But since the pandemic, and following the murder of David Amess during surgery in October 2021, many MPs have turned away from walk-in surgeries in favor of email relations with locals or by appointment.

But Ms Miller called for a return to the weekly session - and urged the Prime Minister to change the law to make them compulsory.

In a letter to Mr. Sunak, Ms. Miller wrote: "As we enter 2023, it's time for New Year's resolutions.

“My party suggests that your resolution is to put an end to the laziness of MPs, many of whom are not putting in the hours their constituents need.”

The request comes after former Health Secretary Matt Hancock infuriated voters by leaving the country as the House of Commons sat to take part in I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here .

Matt Hancock was suspended for flying to Australia while the Commons was sitting (

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James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Ms Miller also suggested changing the law to reduce MPs' "holidays" by requiring the Commons to sit for at least 160 days in each parliamentary session.

Parliament only sat for 156 days during the 2021-22 session, which ran from May 11, 2021 to April 28, 2022.

Sessions usually last for a year and take place between the official opening of Parliament and prorogation the following year.

There were only 149 sitting days in 2013-2014, and 137...