MPs approve three tiers of restrictions in England from Wednesday

MPs have backed the new system of coronavirus tiers for England as Boris Johnson survived the threat of a significant revolt from Conservative rebels to pass the restrictions.
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The support paves the way for 99% of England to enter the toughest Tier 2 and 3 restrictions when the second national lockdown ends on Wednesday.

The House of Commons voted by 291 votes to 78 – a Government majority of 213 – for the new restrictions on Tuesday evening.

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With Labour ordering its MPs to abstain, the measures passed despite senior Tories having lined up to criticise the measures.

A retail worker helps to prepare stock in a clothes shop, ready for re-openingA retail worker helps to prepare stock in a clothes shop, ready for re-opening
A retail worker helps to prepare stock in a clothes shop, ready for re-opening

In an attempt to lessen the scale of the rebellion, the Prime Minister announced a one-off payment of £1,000 for pubs forced to remain closed under the restrictions, though the move was branded “derisory” by the trade.

Mr Johnson acknowledged concerns of a perceived “injustice” in the allocation of tiers but reassured MPs that the Government would look at a more focused approach in the future.

The House of Lords was expected to approve the plans later on Tuesday.

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