06/02/2023

MPs will have their say on the national lockdown set out by the Prime Minister today

Boris Johnson announced his plans for England to enter a second national lockdown in a televised press conference on Saturday.
The Prime Minister said non-essential businesses will be forced to close and that people must stay at home as much as possible, only leaving their homes for specific reasons.
Mr Johnson received backlash from some senior Tory backbenchers who said he hadnt given the regional Tier system enough time to work, while Labour criticised the government for not acting sooner.
The month-long lockdown is set to come into force tomorrow (November 5), however the lockdown is subject to Parliamentary approval.
Mr Johnson formally outlined his plan in a statement in the Commons on Monday.
Read More
Related Articles
Read More
Related Articles
In his speech, he warned there was no alternative as figures predict that if further action isnt taken, there will be more Covid deaths than in the first peak in April.
In the past, ministers have come under fire from MPs for imposing lockdown measures without holding a Parliamentary vote.
Since then, MPs have had their say on the 10pm hospitality curfew and the rule of six.
Therefore, the measures announced on Saturday will also see a vote in Parliament.
Sir Keir Starmer says the government has Labour support on the national lockdown (Image: PA)
On Tuesday, MPs heard evidence from Englands chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and the chief scientific adviser, Sir Patirck Vallance during the Science and Technology committee to help them determine how new measures would help slow the spread of the virus.
Later today (Wednesday November 4), Mr Johnson will take part in his weekly session of Prime Ministers Questions.
Itll start at 12pm.
MPs will then debate and vote on lockdown restrictions for England, with the vote around 4pm.
Earlier this week, leader of the Commons Jacob Rees Mogg said it should take no more than 90 minutes, so the result should be in by early afternoon.
A Tory rebellion is unlikely to succeed after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said MPs were in favour of the national lockdown.
If approved, non-essential businesses will close their doors later today. Takeaways and deliveries will still be permitted, so too will click-and-collect services.
People will only be allowed to meet one other person from a different household in outdoor public spaces such as parks – among other specific reasons to be able to leave home.
If the PM is faced with a larger revolt than expected, it won’t pass and he may be forced to agree to another Commons vote.