Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Courtney Pochin

Budget viewers distracted as they can't stop noticing people coughing in House of Commons

Today Rishi Sunak gave his first Budget speech, informing the nation how the economy is performing, where the government is going to be spending the money it raises and what changes he is making to taxes.

During the speech, the chancellor announced changes to NHS and coronavirus COVID-19 funding.

And while there was plenty of other important information being shared, people watching along at home couldn't help but get a little distracted.

Amid coronavirus panic, viewers found themselves unable to stop noticing whenever an MP coughed in the House of Commons, or touched their face - something we've all been advised not to do without washing our hands.

Following this, a number of people took to social media to share shock at what they'd seen and it was an important reminder of how we all need to alter our behaviour for the sake of others during the outbreak.

MPs were coughing into their hands and touching their face - despite NHS advice (BBC)

Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State Dominic Raab was a big talking point on Twitter , as he was seen repeatedly coughing into his hand - even though current NHS advice states you should cough into a tissue.

One person said: "The front bench are all touching their faces, Dominic Raab has a cough. Unbelievable."

Another tweeted: "Dominic Raab looking peaky and, unbelievably, coughing into his hand. He’s yet to discover that a tissue is a strategic way to capture and bin symptoms of a virus."

A third wrote: "Can someone please get Dominic Raab a large hanky to cough in. He is barely covering his mouth and coughing consistently on the front bench."

These health concerns come after it was announced on Tuesday that an MP had tested positive for the coronavius.

Health Minister Nadine Dorries first felt ill on Friday last week and is now recovering in isolation - but fears for her 84-year-old mother.

The 62-year-old said: "I can confirm I have tested positive for coronavirus. As soon as I was informed I took all the advised precautions and have been self isolating at home.

"Public Health England has started detailed contact tracing and the department and my parliamentary office are closely following their advice.

"I would like to thank PHE and the wonderful NHS staff who have provided me with advice and support."

Urgent work is now under way to establish what contact Ms Dorries, the first British MP to be infected, had with people at the highest levels of government.

The total number of UK coronavirus cases currently stands at 456, with six people confirmed to have died in the UK as a result of the virus.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.