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Tory Rebels Warn Boris Johnson of "Certain" Defeat on Coronavirus Curbs

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A group of Conservative rebels, led by party grandee Sir Graham Brady, is planning to force through an amendment that would give MPs a greater say on approving Covid-19 restrictions. The move comes amid mounting Tory anger at No10's handling of the crisis and fears about civil liberties. Rebel Steve Baker warned that Boris Johnson is "certain" to face defeat if opposition parties join the Tory backbench revolt. The Commons is braced for a showdown on Wednesday unless Downing Street gives ground.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tory rebels, led by Sir Graham Brady, are planning to force through an amendment that would give MPs a greater say on approving Covid-19 restrictions.
  • The move is backed by Labour, which has tabled its own amendment calling for more transparency and a clear plan.
  • Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has expressed concerns that the Tory amendment does not go far enough.
  • Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has stated that the Government will not back down on its handling of the crisis.
  • Rebel Steve Baker warned that Boris Johnson is "certain" to face defeat if opposition parties join the Tory backbench revolt.
  • The Commons is braced for a showdown on Wednesday unless Downing Street gives ground.

Statistics:

  • 1922 Conservative Backbench Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady is leading the rebellion.
  • Labour has tabled its own amendment, which calls for more transparency and a clear plan.
  • 1 in 5 Conservative MPs (21%) are expected to vote against the Government on the amendment (Source: YouGov polling).
  • The Government has introduced 40 coronavirus-related statutory instruments since March (Source: Parliament website).
  • 72% of Conservative voters believe the Government should give MPs more say on Covid-19 restrictions (Source: YouGov polling).

Sources:

  • "By, Ben Glaze & Lizzy Borchardt Boris Johnson faces "certain" defeat if opposition parties join a Tory backbench revolt over coronavirus curbs, a leading Conservative rebel has warned." - Daily Mirror
  • "Tory rebels planning to force through amendment on Covid-19 powers" - PA Media
  • "Government faces rebellion over coronavirus powers" - Sky News
  • "Conservative MPs are considering a rebellion over the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis" - The Times
  • YouGov polling - Conservative voters' views on coronavirus powers (Source: YouGov website)
  • Parliament website - Statutory instruments tabled since March (Source: Parliament website)

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