MP joins Tory rebels as vaccine passport vote looms - The Worcester Observer

MP joins Tory rebels as vaccine passport vote looms

Worcester Editorial 14th Dec, 2021 Updated: 14th Dec, 2021   0

WEST Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has confirmed she will join the backbench rebellion when the House of Commons votes on new Covid rules later.

Mrs Baldwin has become the 80th Conservative to indicate they expect to vote against plans to introduce mandatory Covid passes to enter large venues such as nightclubs.

The Prime Minister labelled his ‘Plan B’ measures as a ‘proportionate and responsible’ response to rising Omicron cases – but the plan has sparked civil liberties concerns.

The measure is still likely to pass, as Labour plans to vote for them.




However, the number of Tory MPs who oppose the measures is above the Prime Minister’s majority in the House of Commons meaning his authority could again be weakened by the outcome of the vote.

Mrs Baldwin said she would oppose both vaccine passports and compulsory vaccinations in today’s (Tuesday) vote and said she had heard no information from the Government to make her change her mind.


“I understand the Government scientists have clear views on places which will cause extra risk of infection as we approach the winter – enclosed, unventilated spaces for example – and guidance will continued to be issued as we develop the nation’s response to covid-19 and its new variants,” she said.

“However, I truly believe people have the capacity to make their own sensible decisions about how best to preserve their health and the health of others.

“I do not wish to see us following a path where ‘covid passports’ are a permanent way of life. I feel it is a divisive strategy, I resisted it when the idea was first mooted, and I would not support such measures if called on to vote in the House of Commons.”

As serving Government Ministers, Worcester’s MP Robin Walker and Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston are expected to vote with the Government on the measures.

The debate will begin around lunchtime with a vote expected early this evening.

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