Boris Johnson faces a battle to push his coronavirus passport scheme through the Commons, after MPs were told by a cabinet minister they will “absolutely” get a vote.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats have now both said they oppose the use of the documents domestically, while a raft of anti-lockdown Conservatives are also against it.
Ministers suggested on Tuesday the passports might be needed for common trips like going clothes shopping.
It came as a poll suggests Sir Keir Starmer’s party is set to lose the upcoming by-election in Hartlepool, a former party stronghold.
A Survation phone survey commissioned by the Communication Workers Union and reported by The Times found Jill Mortimer, the Conservative candidate, held a seven-point lead over Labour’s Paul Williams.
The 49-to-42 margin backs up the feeling of Labour figures in the town, who admitted last month it would be “a struggle to hold”.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir has apologised for visiting a church whose pastor has expressed anti-LGBT+ views.
However, Boris Johnson’s spokesperson said the PM’s own visit to Jesus House, north London, was intended to drive up acceptance of coronavirus vaccines and had been “profitable”; No 10 did not apologise.
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