Cumbria’s MPs have had their say on the government’s plans to introduce tougher coronavirus restrictions.
MPs voted on the introduction of the following Plan B measures for England:
- One on masks being worn in most indoor places;
- Changing the rules so that vaccinated people who come into contact with suspected Omicron cases will no longer have to self-isolate. Anyone coming into contact with Covid cases of any kind will be “strongly advised” to take lateral flow tests for seven days
- Making it compulsory for frontline NHS staff to be fully vaccinated by April
- The use of COVID passes in venues such as nightclubs, indoor events with 500 or more unseated attendees and outdoor events with 4,000 or more unseated attendees.
What is a COVID Pass?
It would require all visitors to certain venues aged 18 years or over to be fully vaccinated (currently a full course of vaccination without the need for a booster, but this will be kept under review), have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or have an exemption.
You can access your NHS COVID Pass through:
It is expected that the government will face a significant rebellion among backbench MPs, particularly around the issue of NHS COVID Passes. Among those expected to rebel is Workington MP Mark Jenkinson.
How did Cumbria’s MPs vote?
Copeland Conservative MP Trudy Harrison
In favour
Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, said: “The Omicron variant is growing much faster than the previous Delta variant, and I believe the measures outlined – and subject to Parliamentary approval – are targeted and proportionate to slow the spread.
“While the assessment of the variant continues and the measures are kept under review, vaccines remain our first line of defence and I urge everyone who is eligible to come forward for their booster jab.”
Barrow and Furness Conservative MP Simon Fell
Could not vote
“As I have stated since the idea of vaccine passports was first mooted, I am completely opposed to their introduction. Limiting access to society based on someone’s medical status would be unethical, discriminatory and fundamentally un-British. I cannot at all support the idea and will always vote against their introduction.
“I have stated my intention to do so on several occasions, most recently in my weekly column for The Mail. The Spectator has also listed me as one of the MPs who has publicly vowed to vote against the vaccine passport Plan B measures.
“Unfortunately, having felt under the weather on Friday, I took a COVID test and have been confirmed as having the virus. I now have to isolate until December 20. The irony of this is not lost on me, as it does unfortunately mean that in isolating with COVID, I will not be able to vote against the Plan B measures on Tuesday.
“Nonetheless, I will continue to voice my opposition to further restrictions and support my colleagues who are making a stand against this retrograde step.”
Penrith and the Border Conservative MP Neil Hudson
In favour
“I support the Government in their proposals. Unfortunately, owing to the deteriorating epidemiological COVID-19 picture and the risks of the Omicron variant, I believe this strengthening of the public health guidelines are both necessary and understandable.”
Workington Conservative MP Mark Jenkinson
Against
Mr Jenkinson tweeted the following on December 8: “Sajid Javid has offered no evidence for further restrictions— or ‘Plan B’ – just as businesses desperately need a good Christmas. These measures are divisive, discriminatory and are unlikely to stop spread. It is with regret that I will not support the government’s measures.
“Work from home guidance will worsen the divide that COVID has so starkly shown. The most vulnerable will be impacted disproportionately. There are businesses – peoples’ livelihoods – that will not survive this.
“I am double vaccinated and have had my booster. I encourage you to do the same.”
Westmorland and Lonsdale Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron
Against
“The omicron variant poses a huge threat and that’s why I will be voting in favour of sensible guidance to mask-wearing and changes to the self-isolation rules.
“However I feel very uncomfortable with – and I will be voting against – the plans that the government have put forward around vaccine passports and especially mandatory vaccinations for NHS workers.
“I want to see as many people as possible coming forward and getting their jab, but compulsory vaccination is an unfair and blunt tool. I fear this could lead to a mass exodus of NHS staff at a critical time for patients.”
Carlisle Conservative MP John Stevenson
Against
“I am supporting the Government tonight on all plan B measures except for the use of COVID vaccination passports and the compulsory vaccination of all frontline NHS staff.
“First and foremost I would like to urge everyone who has not been vaccinated to take up the offer of the first, second and booster jabs if they can. This is the only way we can fight the spread of this dreadful disease and the emerging variants.
“However at a time when the NHS is under increasing pressure, and given the remarkable performance of our NHS staff to date in the fight against COVID, I cannot support the compulsory vaccination of frontline staff.
“In particular given the pressure on the NHS in other areas, I cannot understand why if absolutely necessary, trained staff cannot be redeployed. I certainly cannot support the termination of employment contracts without suitable compensation.
As far as COVID passports are concerned, I am yet to see comprehensive evidence that this is the only way forward and am concerned about the impact this will have on many parts of our economy that have only just started to come out of a very difficult 18 months.
“I am also concerned about the mental health and well-being of constituents and think more could be done to strike the right balance between caution and activity.
“On these two points unfortunately, Government have not got it right and I will be voting accordingly.”
Do you agree with the use of COVID passes for entry to certain events or venues? Vote in our poll below and we will compile and publish the results.
