Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Katie Dickinson

MPs approve extension of Covid-19 restrictions until July 19 despite Tory revolt

MPs have approved the extension of coronavirus restrictions in England until July 19, after Boris Johnson faced pressure from members of his own party over the delay.

The Prime Minister was spared a defeat as Labour backed plans for a four-week delay to the end of lockdown measures, aimed at buying more time for the vaccine programme.

MPs voted 461 to 60, a majority of 401, on Wednesday to approve regulations delaying the easing of the measures.

Read more: Over-21s invited to book their Covid jabs for first time

For now, limits on numbers for sports events, theatres and cinemas will remain in place, nightclubs will stay shuttered and people will be asked to continue working from home where possible.

It comes after furious Tories rounded on Mr Johnson, Matt Hancock and the Government's scientific advisers over the extension of Covid restrictions in England.

They cast doubt on the Prime Minister's commitment that July 19 would be a "terminus" date for the lockdown after he was forced to postpone easing restrictions on June 21.

At Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Johnson was challenged by Tory MPs Philip Davies and William Wragg while Mr Hancock also faced a barrage of criticism over the delay.

Mr Johnson insisted he did not want to see Covid restrictions last forever but "a little more time" was needed to vaccinate millions more people to help combat the spread of the Delta variant.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.