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Boris Johnson is bidding to stave off a conservative rebellion on emergency coronavirus legislation as he prepares to give his latest update on the COVID-19 crisis in Downing Street.
Prime Minister – be cool forced to apologize for being confused with yours coronavirus regulations – faces the prospect of a conservative revolt when parliamentarians are asked to renew the emergency powers that were given to ministers to deal with the pandemic in March.
Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the influential 1922 Conservative Backbenchers Committee, is leading an effort to alter legislation to allow the House of Commons to debate and vote on new COVID-19 measures before they take effect.
There are said to be 80 Conservative MPs backing Sir Graham’s proposed amendment to the Coronavirus Act, and one ringleader told Sky News that he is “confident” the group has enough votes to defeat the government.
Former Brexit Minister Steve Baker, who was recently seen in Westminster wearing a “2020 is the new 1984” T-shirt, said an “absolutely huge rebellion” was brewing.
However, the government was still trying to reach a compromise with the rebels, and talks will be held between the group’s leaders and Conservative leader Mark Spencer on Wednesday morning.
Ministers will be careful not to concede too much that it may affect their ability to act urgently when needed, as coronavirus cases continue to rise in the UK.
It was announced on Tuesday that 7,143 cases of coronavirus it had been recorded in the UK in the past 24 hours, the largest increase since the pandemic began.
Whip boss Mark Spencer to hold talks with Tory rebel leaders
However, even if a compromise is not reached between the main whip and the rebels, the ministers could also be saved by the Speaker of the Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who does not accept Sir Graham’s proposed amendment.
Constitutional experts have said that the circumstances of Wednesday’s vote, which does not create new legislation but instead gives the option of continuing with existing law, means that Sir Lindsay is unlikely to allow any amendments.
In addition to the efforts of the rebels, a committee of senior deputies warned Johnson that, without a greater voice from parliament on coronavirus restrictions, the government’s rules could be challenged in court.
Sir Bernard Jenkin, chairman of the Commons liaison committee, wrote in a letter to the prime minister: “Several proposals are being made that would require approval by a vote of the House of Commons before or immediately after new restrictions take effect. .
“Most of us support this principle and hope that the government will also want to accept it.
“The idea that such restrictions can be applied without express parliamentary approval, except in cases of extreme emergency, is not widely acceptable and, in fact, can be challenged by law.”
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In addition to pressure to give in to the latest calls from MPs for more voice on COVID-19 restrictions, Johnson faces a busy schedule on Wednesday as he grapples with a second wave of coronavirus infections in the UK.
After an expected meeting with his cabinet, the prime minister will address the House of Commons for questions from the prime minister.
Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance will appear alongside the Prime Minister at a press conference.
Johnson will face Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer a day after he apologized for “badmouthing” the latest coronavirus restrictions in northeast England.
The prime minister was forced to clarify that the new rules mean that local residents cannot meet people from different households in indoor social settings, including pubs and restaurants.
Following questions from the prime minister, Johnson will appear at a press conference in Downing Street along with England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, and the government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, to give the latest update on the COVID-19 crisis.
Last week Sir Patrick said the UK could soon see 49,000 new cases of coronavirus every day unless steps were taken to reduce the infection rate, a caveat that preceded Johnson’s decision to introduce a Curfew at 22:00 for bars, pubs and restaurants.
Downing Street has not ruled out the introduction of more restrictions in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19.
