Tory MPs are set to rebel in parliament against new Covid measures - but even more may be needed sooner rather than later

Tory MPs are set to rebel in parliament against new Covid measures – but even more may be needed sooner rather than later (Picture: PA / Getty)

The prospect of even more Covid restrictions being introduced in England has been met with a furious backlash among some Tory MPs.


At least 65 backbenchers were already expected to rebel against ‘Plan B’ measures when they are put to parliament on Tuesday.


But it is already feared that the current rules may be replaced with a ‘Plan C’ after experts predicted they will not be enough to prevent a large number of hospitalisations.


Michael Gove is said to be the most senior cabinet member pushing for the rules to go further after being presented with ‘very challenging new information’ which meant that ‘action is absolutely required’.






Boris Johnson, who has endured a tough week as PM, is resisting calls to strengthen Covid measures (Picture: PA)

But Boris Johnson and Downing Street are understood to be so far resisting the calls, according to the Mail on Sunday.


The Commons vote on Tuesday is expected to ratify measures including orders to work from home and the limited use of NHS Covid passes in some settings – despite the threat of a widespread revolt.


Tory MPs are set to stage the biggest rebellion yet against the new rules but Labour has indicated it will back them, meaning they should pass easily.


Steve Baker, the former Brexit minister, said he will vote no to the new restrictions because they are ‘wrong’ and ‘disproportionate’.


The Conservative MP told BBC Breakfast: ‘I will vote against vaccine passports, of course I will. I’ll vote against extending mask mandates, and I’ll vote against mandatory vaccination as a condition of NHS employment.’


‘I think all these things are wrong, they’re disproportionate and there’s inadequate evidence that they’re required. And I really think this is the crucial point here now, what’s on the table is what kind of society we’re creating as we go forward.’




epa09614386 British Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; Minister for Intergovernmental Relations Michael Gove departs 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, 01 December 2021. NHS leaders have warned that No.10 must implement a plan B, stricter measures to contain the spread of Omicron variant of covid-19. EPA/ANDY RAIN

Michael Gove is said to want more restrictions after being presented with ‘very challenging new information’ (Picture: EPA)

But Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said his party will vote yes – not to support the Prime Minister but the NHS.


He told the BBC: ‘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.’


Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser for the UK Health Security Agency, is among those to have suggested more Covid-19 measures may be needed in the coming weeks.


Restrictions under consideration may include extending the use of vaccine passports to pubs and restaurants, where face masks are also likely to be required again.




LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 2021/12/06: Pedestrians passing by the NHS Covid-19 Vaccination Centre in Westfield, Stratford. The UK reintroduces pandemic restrictions amidst emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. Booster jabs are to be available in January. (Photo by Thomas Krych/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

More people are being invited to book booster vaccines in an attempt to get people more protection (Picture: Getty)

The return of self isolation period for all contacts of Covid cases and the reintroduction of the need to ‘check in’ using the NHS app are also under consideration.


Ministers have been spooked by scientific models which suggested hospitalisations during the Omicron wave could surpass those seen last January.


Between 25,000 and 75,000 Covid deaths are likely in England over the next five months unless more restrictions are introduced.


Nadhim Zahawi, the education secretary, this morning confirmed that hospitals are beginning to see some Omicron cases.


But Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee, has claimed further measures will be a ‘disastrous assault on liberty.’


Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, he said: ‘This train will go on until someone has the presence of mind to pull the communication cord.


‘So as well as debating Plan B measures, we should be asking ourselves whether we want to restore the dignity of controlling our own lives or not. It’s time for this to end.’


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