A VETERAN Tory MP says "opinions are divided" over the return of a virtual Parliament to prevent MPs travelling to the House of Commons during the coronavirus resurgence.

Harwich and North Essex's MP Sir Bernard Jenkin wrote to Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg on Friday stating digital voting should resume.

Mr Rees-Mogg has faced a backlash by rejecting calls to remove restrictions on virtual participation, saying MPs have a "duty" to attend Parliament.

Opposition parties, unions and some Conservatives have called for a return to the "hybrid" proceedings which allowed extensive virtual participation during the height of the crisis.

Sir Bernard, who is the chair of the powerful Commons liaison committee, said other select committee chairs had asked him to press for a resumption of the virtual Parliament.

He wrote: "As more areas come under greater restrictions to control the spread of Covid-19, it will become increasingly difficult for the public to understand why members are still required to travel to and from London in order to represent them.

"Hybrid proceedings have their own limitations, but they have been shown to work and to allow members from across the UK to participate without risking further spread of the virus.

"Moreover, they avoid the situation where some constituencies are denied full representation due to their MPs’ risk profile or personal circumstances."

After sending the letter Sir Bernard said decisions are still being made and opinions are very divided on whether MPs should sit in Parliament.

Mr Rees-Mogg insisted in a Commons debate last Thursday that the Palace of Westminster has been made "Covid-safe".

Under existing arrangements, MP numbers in the chamber are limited to 50 to comply with social distancing rules.

More of them can contribute via Zoom, but these arrangements are only in place for certain parts of the Commons business and not main debates on legislation.

They also cannot vote without attending in person.