NORTHWICH MP Mike Amesbury used his first virtual appearance in the new 'hybrid parliament' to grill ministers about potentially lethal Grenfell-style cladding on homes.

Due to social distancing measures, the House of Commons is operating with a reduced number of MPs in the chamber, with others appearing via screens to join debates and ask questions.

It also marked Mr Amesbury's first appearance since he was given the role of Shadow Housing and Planning Minister.

During the Labour MP for Weaver Vale's appearance, he quizzed the government on progress to replace highly-flammable ACM cladding.

More than 20,000 households nationwide still having such cladding despite nearly three years passing since the Grenfell Tower fire.

Speaking after the debate, he said: "This is an incredibly important issue that needed to be raised as a matter of urgency, and I'm pleased this new way of working allowed that to happen.

"The staff behind the scenes in Parliament have been working extremely hard to make this work and deserve a huge amount of thanks.

"It's vital now, more than ever, that our democratic institutions are functioning and that the opposition – while being constructively supportive where needed – can still hold the government to account."