MPs are set to vote on new Plan B rules related to Covid passes in Parliament today (Tuesday December 14), with dozens of Tory politicians set to oppose them.
More than 70 backbenchers are threatening to defy the whips and oppose the Government’s Plan B for England, brought in in the face of the fast-spreading Omicron variant.
It is reported that up to 10 ministerial aides could resign to oppose the controls, with up to four votes on the measures expected to take place on Tuesday evening.
The measures – including Covid passes for entry into nightclubs and other venues – are expected to pass the Commons with the support of Labour, who back tighter controls.
What will the new Plan B measures be?
Three votes are set to take place in Parliament, with one being on face mask use, one being on mandatory vaccinations for NHS staff, and one being on Covid passes.
If these were to pass from Wednesday NHS Covid passes will be required for entry to indoor venues containing more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people, and any venue with more than 10,000 people.
Health secretary, Sajid Javid said once all adults have had the chance to get a booster, people will need to have had the third dose if they are to be exempt from the requirement to show a negative test.
Anyone faking a pass could be hit with a £10,000 fine while councils will have the power to shut down businesses if they fail to comply with the rules.
READ MORE: Plan B Covid vote: Tory rebels could force Boris Johnson to rely on Labour help
Why are Conservative MPs rebelling against the vote?
Many Conservative MPs particularly oppose the requirement for Covid passes – showing full vaccination or a recent negative test for the virus – as a serious infringement of people’s civil liberties.
There is also concern at the economic impact of a return of the working from home guidance on town and city centre businesses at a crucial time of the year if people again stay away from their offices.
Mr Johnson has insisted the measures represent a “balanced and proportionate” response to the emergence of the Omicron variant.
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