Brexit is a mess, so why are MPs not postponing their Christmas break?

Analysis: As parliamentarians prepare to return to their constituencies, Joe Watts explains why they are not staying in Westminster to resolve the political crisis

Perhaps they do need a holiday after all... (PA)

With the country in the midst of a political crisis, even some MPs have wondered if they should sit through the Christmas break to sort Brexit out.

It is in the government’s gift to decide the recess dates of parliament, when the chambers break up and when they return to sit.

But generally there is a set number of recesses during a year – in the summer, for Christmas, Easter, half terms and during the political party conference season.