Jacob Rees-Mogg roasted for suggestion Tories don’t need masks in Commons because they ‘know each other’

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:

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.