AN MP who rejoined the NHS staff to help frontline efforts has returned to Parliament and confirmed - he feels ‘safe’.

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, returned to Parliament in early June after weeks of remote working.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Dr Davies has been assisting the NHS as a GP. The most recent session, for the qualified doctor, was for the North Wales Central Out of Hours Service.

Speaking to the Journal, he said: "Parliament has now returned at least in part in physical form but those, who are unable to return as normal as a result of a need to shield, are still able to participate virtually and register a vote, which is something I feel is very important.

“I have been in a position to attend physically since Parliament returned last Tuesday and feel safe, as the Parliamentary authorities have gone to great lengths to facilitate social distancing.

“I believe that being at Parliament in person allows MPs to better represent their constituents, as the ability to raise issues, both publicly and privately, is inevitably very limited via virtual proceedings only.

“Many constituents have been working throughout the pandemic and others are increasingly returning to work. It is important that MPs have helped show some leadership on this by doing so themselves – but it is vital that the necessary precautions continue to be taken, for instance, I am still participating in committee meetings virtually, from my office."

The politician added: "It has been rewarding to assist the NHS directly during recent months through work on the front-line as a GP. My most recent session was for North Wales Central Out of Hours Service, several days before the return of Parliament.

"We all hope that the worst of the pandemic is now behind us, but I stand ready to ramp up time I can offer to the NHS should my help be required."

David Jones, MP for Clwyd West, has also spoken about his return to Parliament and the measures that have been put in place.

He said: "It is a very different place. For a start, there is normally about 5,000 working in parliament. All the support staff were told not to return.

"They have done quite well with the social distancing. There is lines on the ground and circle discs.

"We can't get into the chamber. It is limited to 50 people. If you want to go into the chamber, you have to be on a list which done by ballot. You have to be picked.

"It is not as satisfactory as it might be, but I think it is important we are back. We can't say one thing and have MPs do it different.

"We don't sit on committees, it is all done on Zoom."