MPs approve latest lockdown as daily Covid death rate reaches 1,000
A huge majority of MPS backed the current lockdown
Last updated 24th May 2022
MPs have overwhelmingly backed the latest lockdown, voting to approve regulations enabling the new national lockdown in England by 524 votes to 16.
MPs made the vote as the UK Covid death rate reached levels not seen since the spring peak.
With Labour supporting the lockdown, the vote in the recalled House of Commons passed comfortably by 524 votes to 16, giving the Government a majority of 508.
Boris Johnson, however, did face rebellion within his ranks, with Conservative MPs outlining their concerns before the vote.
Former minister Sir Desmond Swayne branded lockdowns a “complete failure” while Sir Robert Syms said the measures, which are in place until March 31, were “essentially a blank cheque for three months to Public Health England to do what they wish”.
Highest daily deaths since April
The Government said a further 1,041 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Wednesday – the highest daily reported total since April 21.
The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital in England has, meanwhile, reached a record 27,727 as of 8am on January 6, according to the latest figures from NHS England. The figure is up 22% on a week ago.
'No choice' except lockdown
The Prime Minister said there was “no choice” but to issue the stay-at-home order and close schools given the spread of coronavirus, particularly the more infectious new variant.
As a result of the measures – which will see the majority of pupils kept out of classrooms until at least after the February half-term – GCSE, AS and A-level examinations will once again be cancelled this summer.
They will be replaced by school assessments as ministers and regulators seek to avoid the chaos caused last year by the use of an algorithm to determine grades.
Continuous review of lockdown rules
The Prime Minister told MPs there would be “continuous review” of the rules with a statutory requirement to look at them every fortnight and a legal obligation to remove them if they are no longer necessary.
“We are in a tough final stretch, made only tougher by the new variant,” Mr Johnson said.
“After the marathon of last year we are indeed now in a sprint, a race to vaccinate the vulnerable faster than the virus can reach them.
“Every needle in every arm makes a difference.”
The new lockdown rules:
Can I leave the house?
People will only be allowed to leave their house for limited reasons, including shopping for essentials, work or education, exercise, and to seek medical assistance.
Mr Johnson said residents can leave their homes for shopping for necessities such as food and medicine, but only as infrequently as possible.
Are schools open?
Schools are closed to most pupils, except the children of key workers and those who are vulnerable. Teaching will continue remotely online.
Do I have to go into work?
People will be able to go to work if it is impossible to work from home, such as those working in the construction sector or who are critical workers. All others must work from home. Cleaners and other trades people will still be able to work in people's homes. Those shielding should not go to work
They are advised not to go to work even if they cannot work from home.
Are support bubbles still allowed?
Support bubbles are still allowed. This is when two households link up, effectively forming one household. Only certain people are allowed to form support bubbles, including adults living alone and single adults living with children. More information forming support bubbles can be found here.
Can I go shopping?
All non-essential shops, hairdressers and personal care venues must close. Essential shops, including food stores and supermarkets, will remain open.
Can weddings and funerals go ahead?
Weddings and funerals can go ahead with strict restrictions on the number in attendance. Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people, while commemorative events such as wakes can be attended by 6 people. Weddings and civil partnerships can only take place with 6 attendees under exceptional circumstances, such as an urgent marriage where one person is terminally ill.
What's happening with universities?
Students studying courses which require formative training, such as medicine, dentistry, education, veterinary science and social work, will return to face-to-face teaching as normal. Students studying other courses should, where possible, remain where they are and start their term remotely with online learning.
Are restaurants and pubs closed?
All cafes, pubs and restaurants should close. Restaurants and other hospitality venues can continue delivery or takeaway services, but people will not be able to add alcohol to that order.
I want to exercise, are gyms open and sports allowed?
Gyms and leisure facilities must close. Exercise outside will be allowed – preferably limited to once a day – with members of your household or support bubble or one other person from another household, such as going for a walk or run. Exercise should be taken locally.
Can I go to church or other places of worship?
Places of worship can remain open for individual prayers and communal worship, but people should only visit with their household or support bubble and maintain social distancing throughout.
What about childcare?
All primary and secondary schools as well as colleges will move to remote learning, but early years settings such as nurseries and childminders can remain open, and existing childcare bubbles will be allowed to stay in place.
Can I play sport?
Outdoor gyms, tennis courts and golf courses must close, and outdoor team sports will not be permitted. Organised outdoor sport for disabled people can continue.
Premier League and other elite sports that already have in place strict testing regimes and their own bubbles will be allowed to continue.
Can I still move house?
Yes, people can still move house. Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to operate. You can still attend property viewings.