LONDON (UK) -Parliament gave approval to a system of regional COVID-19 restrictions for England on Tuesday in spite of a rebellion within Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s own party.
More than 40% of people in England will have to face the toughest tier of restrictions on their daily life from Wednesday, with just 1% in the lowest band.
Johnson told parliament, batting away criticism from unhappy lawmakers, “With the spread of the epidemic varying across the country, there remains a compelling case … for regional tiers in England.”
The tiered system has invited remarks in Johnson’s party, criticising the plan as draconian, badly implemented or based on insufficient evidence.
Lawmaker Graham Brady, head of an influential Conservative committee, said, “If government is to take away fundamental liberties of the people whom we represent, they must demonstrate beyond question that they are acting in a way that is both proportionate and absolutely necessary.”
“Today … I believe the government has failed to make a compelling case.”
The measures were approved after it garnered a 291-to-78 vote despite the rebellion, however, the main opposition Labour Party held back from voting against the government.
A total of 55 Conservatives rebelled against the government.
The new system makes clear rules as to what citizens can and can’t do and, while it is comparatively less strict than the two nationwide lockdowns England has witnessed this year, it would still restrict social and commercial freedoms.
Travelling to or from top tier regions is not allowed and mixing indoors with other households is banned in the top two tiers. The government estimates 23 million people will be in the toughest tier and 32 million in the middle tier – together accounting for just under 99% of England’s population.
Johnson responded to members of his party who raised concerns about allocating their regions into tiers and the difficulty it is likely to cause.
He said, “The government will look at how we can reflect as closely as possible the reality of what is happening on the ground.”
The United Kingdom has recorded a highest death toll from COVID-19 in Europe with a further 13,430 cases and 603 deaths within 28 days of a positive test reported on Tuesday. However, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate measures in place.
Stratford-on-Avon district council, which is run by Johnson’s party and is due to enter the toughest level of restrictions, said on Tuesday it is looking forward to using a judicial review to pose a challenge to the government.
“There is a widespread feeling of disbelief and anger locally,” said council leader Tony Jefferson.
