Jacob Rees-Mogg has left the world of politics reeling after he claimed Conservative MPs do not need to wear masks in the House of Commons to curb the spread of coronavirus because they “know each other”.
Speaking in the Commons today, the leader of the house implied advice to wear masks in workplaces and crowded spaces didn’t apply to the Tory benches because of their interpersonal relationships and said that Conservatives enjoyed a “convivial and fraternal spirit” - which apparently extends to wanting to share each other's germs.
He said: “I would say there’s no advice to wear face masks in workplaces, and the advice on crowded spaces is with crowded spaces with people that you don’t know. We on this side know each other.”
His comments were made in response to SNP MP Pete Wishart, who urged Tories to set an example and mask up. He added:
“It may be that the honourable gentleman does not like mixing with his own side, he may want to keep himself in his personal bubble... and I sympathise if that is the case, but we on this side have a more convivial and fraternal spirit and are therefore following the advice of her majesty’s government.”
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Where. To. Begin.
A fragment of coronavirus walks into a room. It makes it way through crowds of people, entering their mouths and noses, attaching itself to their lungs, then flying back out again to the next person until it comes across a group of Tory MPs chatting and eagerly planning their outfits for the Festival of Brexit - or whatever Tory MPs do.
“Room for a little one?” asks Covid,.
“Sorry pal, we’re all friends here, actually,” Rees-Mogg says.
“Ah, ok, sorry - no bother then,” coronavirus replies before spontaneously combusting.
The coronavirus pandemic finally comes to a (real not PR) end and the world is great. Hooray!
Not.
Coronavirus obviously does not distinguish between friends and groups of strangers. So, reacting to his sermon of silliness, people quickly put the minister in his place:
So @Jacob_Rees_Mogg says Tory MPs don't need to wear a mask in the Commons chamber as they know each other and have a "convivial spirit"
— Will Black (@WillBlackWriter) October 21, 2021
I know quite a few people, several of which have had Covid and two died. Knowing people doesn't protect anyone pic.twitter.com/EKeQjKAZ1F
Utter nonsense uttered of once again by @Jacob_Rees_Mogg "Convivial fraternity" means you can't catch COVID. Really? https://t.co/adJ3xfrLXI
— Jonathan Harris Lib Dem councillor Brixworth 🔶 (@jharrislibdem) October 21, 2021
Exceptionalism is not a language spoken by SARS-CoV-2. https://t.co/Mx2ILCMyZV
— Trisha Greenhalgh (@trishgreenhalgh) October 21, 2021
How reassuring to know that you can only give the virus to people from "the other side", and that "fraternal spirit" will stop you getting infected. https://t.co/MeurygwlwY
— Joanne Harris (@Joannechocolat) October 21, 2021
You can't really apply political analysis to this sort of thing. It requires psychological assessment. It's a complete collapse in brain function. https://t.co/mwfIX3hTrb
— Ian Dunt (@IanDunt) October 21, 2021
Ah.. so why are we bothering with vaccines..just be convivial?
— Deborah Meaden 💙 (@DeborahMeaden) October 21, 2021
quote of the day from Jacob Rees-Mogg on why Tory MPs shouldn't wear masks indoors:
— Jim Pickard (@PickardJE) October 21, 2021
"We on this side have a more convivial, fraternal spirit."
Jacob Rees-Mogg says Tory MPs don't need to wear a mask, in the Chamber, because they all know each other. 🤦 pic.twitter.com/Zi5KQw0hgd
— Haggis_UK 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 (@Haggis_UK) October 21, 2021
Meanwhile, his bizarre comments come after Sajid Javid encouraged the public to wear masks following pressure for more restrictions to be enacted amid rising cases and deaths from the virus. In a press conference about the virus, the health secretary also noted that it was a “fair point” to suggest Conservative MPs should set an example by wearing masks.
Sounds like Rees-Mogg didn’t get the memo.
