AN MP has praised the “overdue” announcement that face coverings will now be mandatory on public transport.

Labour politician Peter Kyle said the move would make “our environment safer for everyone”.

Conservative MP Grant Shapps revealed it would become compulsory to wear a mask or face covering on public transport from June 15.

He said that “every precaution” must be taken as the loosening of lockdown rules are expected to see a surge in the number of passengers on trains, planes and buses.

Hove and Portslade MP Mr Kyle said: “Face coverings on public transport is a sensible, overdue move.

“This week I’ve been wearing one in busy areas travelling to and from Westminster.

“It’s not pleasant but better than Covid-19.

“They make our environment safer for everyone, that’s what matters most.”

Very young children, people with disabilities and those with breathing difficulties will be exempt.

Speaking at the daily coronavirus press conference on Thursday, Mr Shapps said: “As of Monday, June 15, face coverings will become mandatory on public transport.

“That doesn’t mean surgical masks, which we must keep for clinical settings.

“It means the kind of face covering you can easily make at home.

“There will be exemptions to these rules for very young children, for disabled people and those with breathing difficulties.

“But broadly, as we come through this phase, we’re doing what many other countries have asked transport users to do.

“And as passenger numbers increase, and we expect this trend to continue, we need to ensure every precaution is taken on buses, trains, aircraft and on ferries.

“With more people using transport, the evidence suggests that wearing face coverings offers some, albeit limited, protection against the spread of the virus.”