Buckingham MP to vote against Plan B Plan as Starmer says he will support the new Covid measures
The bid to make covid restrictions tougher is on as labour say they will support the plan but a number of conservatives plan to vote against
New Covid restrictions are expected to become law this week as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer confirmed his party will be supporting the Government in Tuesday’s vote.
However, Tory member and Buckingham MP, Greg Smith said: "I will be voting against all moves to make Covid restrictions tougher. I simply do not see the evidence to further restrict freedoms and liberties in the United Kingdom, especially given the absolute threat to the economy, mental health and ensuring the NHS is able to get the care and treatment needed to people with urgent conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Restrictions are not harm free, they cause significant harms in themselves. However, I fear the measures will pass, as it seems once again opposition parties, instead of challenging the government, will roll over and have their tummies tickled, writing the government a blank cheque.”
It comes as the Prime Minister could potentially be facing the largest rebellion of his premiership, with 75 Conservative MPs said to be against the imposition of further restrictive measures so far.
On Wednesday, Boris Johnson announced he would be triggering Plan B, in a bid to buy the UK time in the fight against the Omicron variant of the virus.
Tories have reacted with dismay to the proposals, with tens of backbenchers pledging to vote down plans for vaccine passports to be made mandatory for large venues, compulsory mask-wearing in most public indoor settings, as well as guidance for employees to work from home where they can.
Members of the Hertfordshire public showed support for Covid passports when asked for their thoughts with one lady saying "We should have passports and that will safe guard people who are vulnerable." Another chap can be quoted as saying "I don't have a problem with it."
Despite the prospect of a Tory backbench revolt, Plan B is expected to become law as Sir Keir told the BBC’s The Andrew Marr Show he will vote with the Government. The Labour leader said his party will not be doing so to support the Prime Minister but the NHS.
He said: “If you look at the science in relation to Omicron, the new variant, there is a real concern that we could be in a situation where the number of cases is doubling in a shorter period of two days.
“Now, I understand people say that that hasn’t led to higher hospitalisations and deaths yet, but the sheer volume of cases is very, very worrying.”
He added: “So, I’m not supporting the Prime Minister on Tuesday, I’m supporting our NHS, and I’m supporting the public in relation to this pandemic.”
Sir Keir also insisted that, while he is not “comfortable” with the idea of vaccine passports, he believes they are necessary.
Another member of the public was concerned over how they will control or monitor the covid passports, in an interview he said: "How are they going to police that? And who's going to take one out, are they going to be legitimate? I think there's enough going on, I can't see that working. I think it's a good idea but how are you going to police that?"