WESTMINSTER'S MPs will be given an extra day's holiday over Christmas, the Tory leader of the House of Commons has announced.

Jacob Rees-Mogg has said that the break for the festive period, which was due to begin on December 16 and end on January 4, will be lengthened.

Updating MPs in his weekly business statement, Rees-Mogg told MPs: “Subject to the progress of business, the House will return from the Christmas recess on Wednesday January 5.”

Rees-Mogg went on to outline recess periods planned for the first half of 2022.

“The House will rise for the February recess on Thursday February 10 and return on Monday February 21,” he said.

“The House will rise for the Easter recess on Thursday March 31 and return on Tuesday April 19.

“The House will rise for the May Day bank holiday on Thursday April 28 and return on Tuesday May 3.

“The House will rise for the Whitsun recess on Thursday May 26 and return on June 6.

“And, finally, the House will rise for the summer recess on Thursday July 21.”

Rees-Mogg did not give an end date for the planned summer recess although it is expected MPs will return for a period in September in line with previous years.