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More than a dozen conservative rebels exercised their muscles on the new coronavirus rules, but were unable to defeat the government because of its “rule of six.”
Fourteen Conservative MPs joined five DUP MPs to try to stop restrictions on social gatherings.
They were easily outnumbered, but Labor and 62 Conservatives abstained, meaning the total number supporting the government was less than half of all MPs.
Parliamentarians have been given more voice on coronavirus restrictions
The vote is seen as the precursor to a much bigger challenge for the government’s 10pm. coronavirus curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants.
It is expected to arrive next week, after parliamentarians demanded more voice on emergency measures that have been brought in to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Nusrat Ghani, a conservative MP and former minister, said she abstained after watching the debate on the “rule of six” and was not satisfied with the reason given for the restriction being introduced.
Nusrat Ghani said the policy was not based on ‘real science’
He said the minister of social care, Helen Whately, justified it as being based on “the simplicity of the message, not real science.”
“You didn’t convince me to vote up,” Ms. Ghani tweeted.
“We need a proportionate response and justifications to limit the freedoms of families.”
Another MP, Mark Harper, let out Ms. Whately’s frustration that opposition to some restrictions would “let the virus rip.”
“We all want the government to be successful,” he said.
“But if every time someone asks a question or proposes a different strategy, we are accused of wanting to let it tear itself apart and kill tens of thousands of people, this debate will not remain in a good mood and I would just tell you please accept. everyone is trying to get this right. “
And Steve Baker, a third Conservative MP, added: “It is not clear now that the benefit outweighs the costs of the lockdown. We have to ask ourselves if this set of circumstances is really what we want.”
A bigger challenge from the Conservatives to the pub curfew is expected next week
Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP’s main whip, said his party voted against the England-only measure “for consistency.”
He tweeted: “The government should exclude those under 13 as in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. A more joint approach is needed.”
A larger dispute is brewing over the 10 p.m. curfew, and the rebels are unfazed by the small number of Conservatives who voted against the government this time.
