By Sophie Gallagher BBC News
- Published
A vote to pass new Covid measures into law this week is expected to be split, as Boris Johnson faces a rebellion from about 60 Conservative MPs.
Government sources suggested the introduction of Plan B measures for England will be divided into three separate votes on Tuesday.
There will be a distinct vote for plans to introduce Covid passes in some venues, opposed by some Tories.
But Plan B is expected to become law as Labour is backing the government.
The BBC estimates that about 60 Tory MPs have said they will oppose the introduction of Covid passes - requiring proof of double jab or negative test - to access certain venues like nightclubs.
If replicated in the Commons on Tuesday, it would be the largest rebellion of his MPs that Mr Johnson has seen yet.
As a result, it is expected MPs will be asked to vote on this separately to other parts of the plan.
There is likely to be one vote on the new facemask rules.
Another vote on whether a daily negative test result should allow those exposed to a positive case to avoid self-isolation.
And the third on Covid status certification, described by some as vaccine passports, but which can be obtained through a negative lateral flow test.
Ministers will hate relying on Labour
It's important to untangle the real world consequences of the votes over measures to limit the spread of Omicron, coming on Tuesday, from the political consequences.
I'm told there will be three votes on introducing Plan B for England and one on making it compulsory for front line NHS staff in England to be fully jabbed.
Let's be clear: it looks like all will pass easily, because Labour will back the government.
Three of the four votes will pass with minimal opposition. It's the one on so-called Covid passports that will encounter a blast of turbulence.
About 60 Conservative MPs don't like the idea.
That number of rebels would normally be enough to beat the current government with its big majority.
But with Sir Keir Starmer propping him up, Boris Johnson can still win.
So Covid passports are still likely to happen.
But governments hate relying on the opposition in order to win votes, because it leaves them looking feeble.
In addition there is also expected to be a vote this week on mandatory vaccination for front line NHS staff in England.
Despite having previously been against it, the BBC understands that Labour will back the government's plan to make jabs compulsory.
As recently as October, the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was opposed to the idea but it is understood the party has changed its mind after briefings from government scientific advisers.
That vote could come before Parliament as soon as Tuesday.
Although Plan B has not yet passed, there is already talk that the government might need to bring further measures in England as Omicron cases rise.
On Saturday, a further 633 Omicron cases were reported - although the real number is estimated to be much higher. Overall, a further 54,073 daily cases were recorded across the UK.
Meanwhile, a report by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has suggested the UK will face a substantial wave of Omicron infections in January without further restrictions, beyond Plan B.
It also said the number of deaths could range from 25,000 to 75,000 between now and April.
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