Boris Johnson got his brutal post-lockdown tiers approved by the Commons last night thanks to Sir Keir Starmer’s tacit support after suffering the biggest Tory revolt of this Parliament as more than 50 Tories defied the whip. The new three-tier system was signed off by a margin of 291 to 78 and came into force … Read more
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn joined a group of 15 backbench rebels who defied his successor Sir Keir Starmer to vote against the Government’s coronavirus tiers tonight. Mr Corbyn, who is currently sitting as an independent after being stripped of the Labour whip, was joined by more than a dozen of his supporters from within … Read more
Boris Johnson’s brutal lockdown tiers were approved by the Commons tonight despite a major Tory revolt at the ‘back of fag packet’ curbs, The new system was signed off by a margin of 291 to 78 and will come into force tomorrow after Labour opted to abstain, complaining the regime was not tough enough and … Read more
Boris Johnson pleaded with mutinous Tories to back the ‘compelling’ case for his new tiers today amid claims of back-room deals and promises. The PM struck a compromise tone as he opened the debate ahead of a crunch vote this evening, with up to 100 thought to be ready to rebel. In a key signal, … Read more
Sir Keir Starmer was accused of ‘playing politics’ in the middle of the pandemic after he ordered his MPs to sit out a crucial vote tonight on the rules that will replace lockdown. Labour will abstain on the Commons vote on whether to adopt the stiffened three-tier system wanted by the Government, a move that … Read more
A row deepened today over whether a scotch egg can be classed as a ‘substantial meal’ under rules only allowing alcohol to be served with food from tomorrow. Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove told LBC two scotch eggs would be ‘a starter’, 24 hours after Environment Secretary George Eustice said one is a substantial meal. Mr Gove reiterated … Read more
Boris Johnson is facing a huge Tory mutiny over his new tiers today as it emerged the government has another ‘secret’ assessment of the economic hit – alongside the ‘cut and paste’ version published last night. The PM has failed to quell rising fury on his own benches about the draconian restrictions, which will leave … Read more
The Government has produced a second top secret dossier laying bare the devastating impact multiple coronavirus lockdowns have had on the British economy – but Boris Johnson won’t release it, it was revealed today. Ministers are said to have designated a dozen industry sectors as ‘red’ – meaning they face significant job cuts and plunging revenues … Read more
Tiers will make us anxious and depressed: Harmful effects of new restrictions could hit mental health and increase domestic abuse, officials warn The assessment warned of an increase in alcohol use, anxiety and depression Working at home is likely to increase back problems and accidents in the house For adults, physical activity will be lower … Read more
Sir Keir Starmer has decided to break from Boris Johnson in a vote today on new Covid tier restrictions for the first time, in a split that could damage the PM and leave him at the mercy of Tory rebels. No10 expects to win today’s Commons vote on the three-tier lockdown curbs, which are due … Read more