MPs have voted to approve a set of tighter Covid restrictions as cases of the new Omicron variant continue to surge.
'Plan B' measures outlined by Boris Johnson in a press conference on Wednesday, December 8, faced a vote in the House of Commons this evening, where MPs voted in favour of introducing a set of tougher measures.
The Prime Minister was set to face the biggest rebellion of his leadership, with dozens of Tory MPs expected to vote against the latest Covid restrictions.
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More than 70 backbenchers threatened to defy the whips and oppose the Government's 'Plan B' for England.
And although Mr Johnson's measures were backed by an overall majority in parliament, Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison and was among 96 Tories who voted against the plan.
Arguing against the need for so-called 'vaccine passports', Ms Davison, said: "I am deeply concerned about what opening the door to vaccine passports may lead to.
"First nightclubs, then what? Talk of a supposed "Plan C" suggests introducing them next for pubs and restaurants too. How far will that mission creep go? We cannot allow ourselves to end up in a two-tier society.
"We need to be realistic about Omicron. Let us not take the slippery slope to lockdown "just in case". The wider societal impacts could be catastrophic."
Following the vote in House of Commons this evening, MPs voted 369 to 126, majority 243, to approve the mandatory use of Covid passes for entry to nightclubs and large venues in England.
While 441 to 41, majority 400, voted to approve regulations to extend the requirement to wear face coverings to more indoor spaces in England – including museums and galleries.
And 385 to 100, majority 285, voted to approve regulations to require NHS and social care staff to be vaccinated by April 2022.
Find out how your MP voted here:
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, treasurer of the 1922 Committee of backbench Tory MPs, said he was "very surprised" by the size of the rebellion.
He added that the vote "shows quite a major division within the party" and suggested Mr Johnson could face a leadership challenge in the new year.
Speaking to Sky News, Sir Geoffrey said the PM has to realise he must consult MPs before bringing measures to the Commons, and that some members of the party would now be thinking it was time for a change.
