MPs to enjoy an early Games break

MPs will avoid the transport delays facing the rest of London's commuters during next year's Olympics by taking their earliest summer break for more than 30 years.

Parliament will rise on 13 July, a week earlier than usual, avoiding the restrictions put in place for the Games.

Labour's David Winnick criticised the plan and called for it to be vetoed. He said: "I'm not happy... Our first and foremost job is to be at Westminster."

The extra leave gives MPs about 17 days more time off in the summer than an ordinary worker is entitled to in a year.