WEST Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin was among the 99 Tory rebels to oppose the Government’s plans for Covid passes to enter large venues such as nightclubs.
Despite a last-minute plea to his MPs to support the government’s measures, the Prime Minister suffered his biggest rebellion since taking office with more than 130 of his MPs either opposing or abstaining on the measure.
As a result NHS Covid passes, showing a recent negative test or full vaccination, must be shown to get into many large venues, including nightclubs, from today (Wednesday).
Earlier votes on increased use of face masks were approved largely without opposition but Mrs Baldwin again rebelled on the issue of compulsory vaccinations for NHS staff from April next year.
She was one of 65 Tories to defy their Government in a rebellion which again topped a 100 Conservative MPs when abstentions were included.
The measures – along with mandatory face masks in most indoor settings and compulsory vaccines for NHS staff – became law thanks to Labour support.
Mr Johnson has not ruled out recalling Parliament during the Christmas break, if further restrictions are needed to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.
Referring to the ongoing controversy over Christmas parties in Downing Street last year at Prime Minister’s Questions earlier (Wednesday) Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer questioned whether Mr Johnson had the “trust and authority to lead this country,” accusing him of undermining public confidence.
Mr Johnson insisted the government is taking a “balanced and proportionate approach” to Covid restrictions.
Worcester’s MP Robin Walker and Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston, who both serve as Government ministers, both supported all of the measures tabled in the House of Commons.
