The government has been accused of creating an “epidemic of fear” by rebel Tory MPs ahead of votes of new coronavirus laws.
It is estimated that up to a third of Tory MPs could ignore the party whip. Speaking in a debate before the series of votes, Mark Harper, who is one of the rebels, claimed ministers had gone “into panic and emergency mode”.
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 to stem the spread of the omicron variant.
However, it would be acutely embarrassing for dozens of Conservative backbenchers to vote against Boris Johnson‘s plans. In a last-ditch attempt to persuade them to change their minds, the prime minister addressed the influential 1922 Committee late on Tuesday afternoon.
