The Prime Minister is expected to face a significant backbench rebellion with up to 15 Tory MPs tipped to vote against a second lockdown
(Picture: REUTERS)Boris Johnson was today making a final attempt to persuade Tory rebels to change their minds before MPs vote on the new lockdown.
The Prime Minister is expected to face a significant backbench rebellion with up to 15 Tory MPs tipped to vote against a second lockdown, which is due to start tomorrow.
However, he is expected to win today’s vote comfortably because Labour supports the move.
Tory backbenchers are angry at the impact on civil liberties as well as the economic damage the measures will cause.
Former Tory chief whip Mark Harper announced he would vote against the lockdown, writing for Conservative Home: “I do not believe the Government has made the case for a change away from the tiered system and in favour of an England-wide national lockdown.”
MP Peter 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!!”
Former minister Steve Baker has also said he will rebel, despite Downing Street’s attempts to persuade him.
