MPs last night approved the government’s plan to reintroduce some COVID-19 restrictions following the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus variant.
Parliament passed the Plan B rules, which involve regulations on face masks, isolation rules, COVID passes and compulsory vaccinations for healthcare workers.
MPs voted 369 to 126, a majority of 243, to approve the mandatory use of Covid passes for entry to nightclubs and large venues in England, but 96 Conservative MPs have voted against Boris Johnson’s proposals in a huge blow to the government.
Gedling MP Tom Randall was one of the MPs to vote against the passes plan.
Following the Commons vote, he spoke out on social media about his decision not to back Number 10.
He said: “I believe that the Government is well-intentioned in introducing this measure and colleagues of mine might understandably take a different view. However, as I am personally unconvinced that Covid certification will work, I reluctantly voted against the Government on this measure.”
Mr Randall had said that an earlier study carried out by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee (PACAC), of which he was a member, failed to produce evidence Covid passports were necessary.
He said: “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.”
He did say he backed the rest of measures being introduced as part of Plan B.
Sherwood MP Mark Spencer voted in favour of checking vaccine passports, which will come into force from today (Wednesday, 15).
Covid-19 NHS passes be required in nightclubs and other large busy venues, to show proof of a vaccination.
