A North East MP says the Government has announced its new Plan B rules to divert attention away from the Christmas Party scandal.
On Wednesday, Boris Johnson said new Covid rules would be brought in to help stem the spread of the virus as Omicron cases rise across the UK.
Under the new rules, face coverings will become compulsory in most public indoor venues, such as cinemas, theatres and places of worship, though they will not be required in hospitality settings.
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And vaccine passports - NHS Covid passes - will become mandatory for entry into nightclubs and settings where large crowds gather.
People will be able to show proof of two vaccine doses via an NHS app and proof of a negative lateral flow test will also be accepted.
In addition, people are being asked to work from home if they can.
Emma Lewell-Buck, Labour MP for South Shields, says there is no evidence that vaccine passports would work, and they would have a damaging effect on businesses with large venues.
She further said the changes were announced to divert attention away from the Christmas party scandal that has hit the headlines lately.
A leaked video showing Number 10 aides laughing about a party in Downing Street in December 2020 forced Boris Johnson to launch an investigation into the matter.
Mrs Lewell-Buck said: "It's very clear why they have done this. It's because of the Christmas party scandal currently going on.
"There is no evidence to show vaccine passports actually work. This is just to divert attention away from the Christmas parties.
"The hospitality industry has already been hit really hard. While this won't affect pubs, bars and restaurants, it is going to hit big venues, businesses that would be looking to recoup their losses over Christmas.
"The Government are not giving any financial package of support for the industries that are going to be hit by this. They are happy for large venues to just go to the wall.
"The work from home guidance is ridiculous as well. They are saying we should work from home - but we can still go to a Christmas party.
"The Government has been inconsistent and incoherent in their messaging all throughout the coronavirus pandemic."
Boris Johnson told a Downing Street press conference that Omicron was growing much faster than the previous Delta variant and was spreading rapidly all around the world.
He said it was now "the proportionate and the responsible thing to move to Plan B" to slow the spread of the virus.
