Gedling MP Tom Randall appears to have sided with furious Tories who are planning to rebel against Boris Johnson’s controversial vaccine passports plan for nightclubs and football matches.
Johnson’s Plan B measure was announced during a press conference on Wednesday (December 9) and has since been torn to shreds by Tories who are believed to be gearing up to rebel when it comes to a crucial vote next week.
The new measure, if introduced, would see people being required to show they’re double-jabbed or have tested negative when attending clubs, stadiums and festivals.
It’s believed around 60 Tory MPs could revolt against the PM when vaccine passports are tabled in the Commons next week.
Randall took to social media yesterday to voice concerns over passport plans.
In his post he cited the findings of a report carried out by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee (PACAC).
The Gedling MP has been part of the committee since early 2020.
He wrote: “Earlier this year the Committee looked into Covid certification (or ‘Covid passports’) to see how effective they might be.
“We took evidence from various groups, including clinicians, hospitality and leisure industry representatives, and civil rights groups.
“Our inquiry found that the Government has so far failed to make the scientific case in favour of the system. The Committee found little evidence that the introduction a Covid-status certification regime would actually increase public confidence. I still hold this view.”
His post got a positive response from constituents who called on Mr Randall to vote against the plans next week.
Francesca Di Monamy wrote: “Thanks for this, Tom. Please vote against this and any other measures that try to coerce UK citizens into unwanted medical procedures.”
Louise Allison posted: “I hope that means you’ll be voting no Tom. They’re discriminatory and it’s a slippery slope. I’m pro-vaccine (my baby has just had his 12 week childhood immunisations today) but absolutely pro choice.”
Nottinghamshire County Council leader and Mansfield Conservative MP Ben Bradley yesterday confirmed he will vote against the Government’s new Covid restrictions and believes reintroducing further measures is a “slippery slope”.
Mr Bradley is another backbench Conservative MP speaking out against the measures.
He said: “Precautions are one thing but when you start to restrict peoples’ freedoms, like with vaccine passports, you need pretty good data and evidence to support it.
“There are clearly risks and there always will be risks for as long as there is Covid, but we can’t keep turning the taps on and off.”
