Tory MPs vow to vote against second lockdown law in Commons clash today & blast ‘dubious data’

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TORY MPs today vowed to face down Boris Johnson and vote against new lockdown laws in the House of Commons today, blasting the “dubious” data used to argue it’s needed.

But with Labour backing the tough new laws, which will come into effect tomorrow, it’s set to pass comfortably.

Boris Johnson is expected to win a vote on lockdown laws today

 

Around 15 Tories could defy the whip and vote against the new measures, which will shut all non-essential shops and order people to stay at home for four weeks.

Fuming MPs say the graphs and data used from modelling to try and argue the case for the lockdown is flawed and out of date.

And others say cracking down on liberties like seeing friends or family is unacceptable.

MPs are also furious over barmy rules which mean kids grassroots football will be banned, but sport at school can continue.

It came as:

  • Boris insisted the rules WOULD end on December 2 no matter what – as he told businesses he would do whatever it takes to help them recover
  • NHS chief Simon Stevens said GPs are being told to get ready for a vaccine within weeks
  • Police bosses said they would target people organising events and gatherings – and those who refused to self-isolate
  • NHS England will go into its highest level of alert tomorrow
  • New advice for clinically vulnerable advised them not to leave their home except to exercise and for medical appointments – in a new shielding programme in all but name

DATE FOR THE DIARY

Boris Johnson promised business leaders today that the second Covid lockdown will end on December 2.

He sought to calm jitters among the business community over fears the measures will continue in a video message to the Confederation of British Industry’s virtual conference.

Staring down the camera, the PM said: “Believe me, we will end these autumn measures on December 2nd when they expire.”

Boris Johnson told business leaders that the restrictions would end on December 2 no matter what

And he vowed that the Government will “do whatever it takes to back British business”, adding: “Because I know when the recovery comes – and it will come – it will come entirely thanks to the efforts of the people who are watching us on this Zoom call today.”

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the December 2 date for lifting the four-week lockdown is “written into law”.

Asked on LBC radio whether people in England could mark the date of the end of the second national lockdown on their calendars, he said: “Put it in your diary, it is written into law.

He told MPs today during PMQs “we will be rolling out new types of testing on a scale never seen before” by the time the four-week lockdown is over.

Liverpool will be the first city to have tests for everyone later this week, with anyone able to get their hands on one whether they have symptoms or not.

With Labour expected to back it, it means the laws will pass and it’s thought that any rebellion will be purely symbolic.

REBEL ALLIANCE

Tory MP Peter Bone indicated he would rebel against the Government in the Commons vote on plans for a national lockdown in England.

Mr Bone tweeted: “Today I will vote against a second national lockdown. The government’s case is based on dubious modelling. It seems to me there are lies, damn lies and Covid statistics!!”

Steve Baker also indicated he would vote against them.

He said today: “I am sorry that I do not feel able to impose the undoubted costs of lockdown on the basis of the necessary balancing judgement calls.”

And he blasted Government data as “outdated” with “fundamental issues”.

VACCINE HOPE

NHS England boss Sir Simon Stevens said the health service has been preparing to administer any potential Covid-19 vaccine.

GPs will be “geared up to start by Christmas if the vaccine becomes available”, he said.

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