Devon Tories split on support for new covid measures

MPs vote today

Devon’s Conservative MP Neil Parish says he will vote for the covid Plan B measures announced by the government, after three of his county colleagues stated their opposition.

Fellow Tories Simon Jupp, Anne Marie Morris and Anthony Mangnall say they won’t support the new measures in a parliamentary vote.

Face masks will become compulsory in most public places again, as part of new rules to limit the spread of the Omicron variant, and covid passes will be required for entry into nightclubs and large venues. They can be obtained by having two vaccines or a negative lateral flow test. People should work from home if possible.

Mr Parish, who represents Tiverton and Honiton, says he will vote for Plan B, despite a growing Tory rebellion meaning the prime minister may need to rely on Labour votes.

In a statement, Mr Parish explained: “I will support the measures, which are to be reviewed on 5 January, because it gives us four weeks to assess the impact of rising Omicron cases on hospitalisations, which tend to lag behind. It should be much clearer in the new year whether or not vaccines still protect against serious illness.

“In the meantime, we need to take some steps to prevent cases spiralling, should the worst happen and this variant does evade our jabs. However, I don’t want to see these measures remain for a moment longer than absolutely necessary, as I am mindful of the impact of working from home on many people’s mental health, as well the economic damage it does.

“As for vaccine passports, these measures do not mean everyone wanting to attend large events will be forced into having two jabs, as a negative lateral flow test can be provided as an alternative.”

Mr Parish’s Tory colleague in Newton Abbot, Anne-Marie Morris, has slammed the new rules as unnecessary and “nonsensical.”

In a statement, she added: “You can’t work together but you can party together! The tragedy is it brings back a sense of fear sucking the joy out of Christmas.”

Her refusal to back Mr Johnson’s plan is shared by East Devon’s Conservative MP Simon Jupp. On Twitter, he said: “I don’t support Plan B.

“Vaccine passports are divisive and discriminatory. They do not stop the spread of covid. Plan B will cost jobs in many sectors, including hospitality. Working from home won’t help our social or economic recovery.”

Totnes Tory Anthony Mangnall also objected to Plan B on Twitter, saying: “Just to be clear – I will not be voting for the new covid measures. They are completely farcical, unnecessary and impractical.”

In response to someone criticising his decision, Mr Mangnall replied: “I can drink with a colleague, sing with a colleague, eat with a colleague but not go to work with them…”

He then added: “Also of course I will be following the rules, regardless of how I feel.”

MPs are set to vote on the measures in the Commons on Tuesday evening.