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Boris Johnson writes to MPs to quell anger over new tiers

International Desk
29 Nov 2020 11:06:15 | Update: 29 Nov 2020 11:09:55
Boris Johnson writes to MPs to quell anger over new tiers

Boris Johnson has written to Conservative MPs to reassure them about England's new Covid tier system, as he faces the prospect of a rebellion in the Commons this week.

England's lockdown ends on 2 December, and many Tory MPs are unhappy with the toughened tiers that will replace it.

MPs will vote on the system on Tuesday, with Labour undecided on its stance.

In the letter, the PM said rules in some areas might be eased in December, and promised a new vote in January.

He added, depending on that vote, the tier system could end at the beginning of February.

And writing separately in the Mail on Sunday, Johnson said he believed Easter would mark a "real chance to return to something like life as normal".

He warned, however, there would be "disastrous consequences" for the NHS if the government did not introduce the new tiered system when lockdown ends.

England's new system will see regions placed in one of three tiers: medium, high and very high.

In total, 99% of England will enter the highest two tiers, with tight restrictions on bars and restaurants and a ban on households mixing indoors. Only Cornwall, the Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly will be in the lowest tier.

In a bid to assuage MPs' concerns, Johnson wrote to them outlining a timeline of when - and how - the tiered approach will end.

In his letter, Johnson said:

  • Regulations have a "sunset" clause - or expiry date - of 3 February
  • Tiers will be reviewed every two weeks, and areas can move down the tiers from 16 December
  • At the end of January, MPs will have another vote on the tiered approach and decide whether measures stay in place until the end of March
  • The government will publish the circumstances that need to change for an area to move down a tier

 

(Source: BBC)

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