GLASGOW MPs have said social distancing guidelines were not being followed in parliament during an "absurd" vote. 

Members were yesterday made to travel to Westminster after the end of the parliamentary recess to vote on continuing parliament's remote voting system. The system was voted against, meaning MPs will now need to travel to London to vote in person. 

READ MORE: How Glasgow’s deep-rooted drug problem isn't just affecting the 'trainspotting generation'

The SNP MP for Glasgow North West, Carol Monaghan who was observing proceedings remotely, tweeted that social distancing measures were not being followed at the start of the vote, amid concerns that MPs travelling across the country could further the spread of Covid-19. 

Stewart McDonald, who represents Glasgow South, retweeted her comments, said that other MPs were "not paying the slightest bit of attention to distancing - especially in the stairways."

He added that parliament staff were attempting to remind members to keep their distance from one another, as per government guidelines, but that they were being ignored. 

The vote saw the system set up to allow members to debate and vote remotely ended, meaning MPs will now have to travel to Westminster to carry out their work. 

As reported in The National, there was anger from members of the opposition and from Tory MPs, some of whom voted against the government, and the SNP Westminster leader claimed Scottish MPs were being "shut out" of parliament. 

READ MORE: Figures show elderly patients were 'rushed' into care homes

Karen Bradley, a Tory who chairs the Procedure Committee, moved an amendment to keep remote voting in place in the coming weeks, with several of her own MPs rebelling to support the proposal.

But it was defeated by 185 votes to 242, a majority of 57, following a 46-minute division.

MPs later approved the Government’s motion to only allow them to vote in person by 261 votes to 163, a 98-vote majority.

McDonald tweeted that the vote, which saw MPs join an enormous queue stretching outside from the houses of parliament, was "absurd". 

Male MPs are normally required to wear a suit but the rule is not as strict during votes. The SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, Gavin Newlands and Ian Mearns, the Labour member for Gateshead, were among those who voted wearing T-shirts and shorts.

A spokeswoman for the House of Commons said: "MPs voted yesterday afternoon to return to physical voting, with social distancing measures in place. The House’s priority is to ensure that those on the estate are safe while business is facilitated.

"We continue to consult with Public Health England and have introduced new signage across the Estate to ensure everyone observes social distancing guidelines, including posters, banners, and floor roundels.

"The signs clearly remind people of social distancing and hygiene guidelines and staff were also on hand to provide guidance."