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Politics Explained

Could Tory rebels stop Boris Johnson from bringing in Covid passports?

A rebellion could have political consequences even if the measures get through the Commons, writes Jon Stone

Sunday 12 December 2021 11:03 GMT
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The PM is planning to introduce new measures including vaccine passports for large venues
The PM is planning to introduce new measures including vaccine passports for large venues (PA Wire)

The prime minister faces a major Tory rebellion on his plans to bring in new coronavirus restrictions. But can the rebels stop him?

More than 60 Conservative MPs are said to be against the imposition of extra Covid measures, including the introduction of vaccine passports for large venues.

If 60 MPs were to break with the government in Tuesday’s vote it would make for the largest rebellion for the prime minister yet. But it looks unlikely that they could actually sink the government’s plans.

Boris Johnson won a majority of 80 seats at the 2019 election, so the MPs would have to actively vote against rather than abstain. They may well do, but they would have to deal with hundreds of Labour MPs supporting the government.

The opposition party has indicated it is minded to back the prime minister – despite calls from some supporters to vote against Johnson in an effort to destabilise his premiership.

But Keir Starmer’s team worry that doing so would play right into the hands of the prime minister’s “playing politics” attack line. Plus, Labour could be held responsible for negative consequences if they block the imposition of tighter restrictions – which, after all, they genuinely support.

Sir Keir said in the spring that vaccine passports were against the British instinct, but by the summer had indicated that he was ready to back them.

Other proposals in the government’s package include compulsory mask-wearing in most public indoor settings, as well as guidance for employees to work from home where possible.

In the end, the number of MPs said to be against the measures may well be an overestimate. Massive rebellions against Covid restrictions have been heralded before, hyped up by newspapers close to Tory backbenchers. But a significant revolt has yet to materialise.

So whatever happens, it looks as though rebels are unlikely to be able to stop the government – but could the rebellion have a political effect?

Johnson is thought to be on notice with his MPs, who are bruised by a turn in the polls against him following a series of gaffes.

His instincts have been questioned over plans to scrap Northern Powerhouse Rail, and the long-running row over the Downing Street Christmas party has seriously damaged the prime minister.

If the Conservatives lose the North Shropshire by-election on Thursday, Johnson’s stock will fall even further. A major rebellion on an emotive issue is the last thing the prime minister will want – giving his critics further ammunition and turning more of his own against him. That could be a hidden consequence.

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