Southport MP Damien Moore will today vote against proposals for any new Covid-19 measures, saying that Covid passports and other restrictions would be “divisive, imperious, and disproportionate to the threat posed by the new (Omicron) variant”.
Instead he is encouraging as many people as possible to take up the offer of booking their Covid-19 booster vaccinations to better protect them against the rising numbers of Omicron Covid cases.
He believes that new restrictions would “harm businesses, livelihoods, and our local community in Southport”.
More than a third of backbench Conservatives are believed to be preparing to defy the Government Johnson over new Covid-19 measures today.
MPs will vote on plan B restrictions this evening, with the Prime Minister looking likely to face the biggest rebellion of his premiership.
The various measures introduced by the Government will be voted on separately.
The biggest rebellion is expected on the introduction of Covid certification for entry to some venues.
Southport MP Damien Moore said: “A number of constituents have contacted me about this afternoon’s votes on Covid restrictions and the Government’s Plan B.
“I want to be very clear that it is not my intention to vote for vaccine passports or for other restrictions on people’s liberty, which I believe at this stage to be divisive, imperious, and disproportionate to the threat posed by the new variant.
“I am extremely proud that we have delivered over 121 million jabs into arms across the UK, including over 23 million booster jabs. This has enabled us to relax earlier restrictions that were necessary, and get back to doing the things we love.
“Vaccines have always been our way out of this pandemic. The latest scientific evidence points towards Omicron being less severe than previous Covid mutations, with those who have had all their doses substantially better protected than the unvaccinated, who have minimal protection.
“There is no evidence as yet that we need the extra restrictions that the Government is proposing to bring in, restrictions that will harm businesses, livelihoods, and our local community in Southport, and so it is not my intention to vote for them. I continue to urge everybody to get all their Covid jabs and Get Boosted Now.”
The NHS vaccination programme is offering every adult the chance to book a Covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year in a race to protect the nation against the Omicron variant.
As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are now available for all those in their 30s and above.
The national booking service will then open up to everyone aged 18 and over from Wednesday this week.
The NHS is prioritising bookings for boosters and is urging people to book a slot to guarantee their jab. Some vaccination sites may offer a walk-in service for 18s and over if they have spare capacity.
Over the next week, opening hours for vaccine centres will be extended and every area of the country should have centres available that are open seven days a week.
More pop-up sites will be coming online with local areas looking at the most convenient sites for their communities – from trucks and buses in parks and shopping centres to sports stadiums and leisure centres.
Sefton Council Director of Public Health Margaret Jones is urging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
She said: “Making sure you are fully vaccinated, which means jabs one and two and a booster, is still the best protection from the Covid-19 virus.
“Anyone who has not yet had their first or second jab can book them now at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination or by calling 119.
“And anyone aged over 30 or over can now go to www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination or call 119 to book their booster and make sure they are fully protected.”
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