illness than previous variants but that who is whining against complacency. we that who is whining against complacency-— that who is whining against comlacen .~ ., that who is whining against comlacen _ . ., . ., complacency. we are concerned that --eole are complacency. we are concerned that people are dismissing _ complacency. we are concerned that people are dismissing omicron - complacency. we are concerned that people are dismissing omicron as . people are dismissing omicron as mild. surely we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril. borisjohnson boris johnson and his borisjohnson and his government try to navigate this pandemic. borisjohnson is facing his biggest backbench rebellion since he became prime minister — with more than 70 conservative mps expected to reject his plan to bring in covid passes in england. it's one of three votes this evening on new measures. we are expecting them all to pass, because the opposition labour party has said they will support it. so the focus is on just how many tory mps vote against the government. this is the scene in the house of commons right now. nick eardley — is in the lobby of the houses of parliament. tell us about the boat that has already happened.— tell us about the boat that has already happened. tell us about the boat that has alread ha ened. �* . ., ., already happened. about half an hour auo we had already happened. about half an hour ago we had a — already happened. about half an hour ago we had a vote _ already happened. about half an hour ago we had a vote on _ already happened. about half an hour ago we had a vote on extending - already happened. about half an hour ago we had a vote on extending the l ago we had a vote on extending the compulsory wearing of face coverings in england it is an extra settings. at path very comfortably. there were 41 votes against but a0 conservative a1 votes against but a0 conservative rebels rethink and this is the one that's really matters. this is on introducing covid—19 certification introducing covid—19 certification in certain places in england. i think we can listen in and get the result now. to think we can listen in and get the result nova— the "aye's" to the rights, 369. then i was _ the "aye's" to the rights, 369. then i was knocked to the left, 126. —— there _ i was knocked to the left, 126. —— there are — i was knocked to the left, 126. —— there are no _ i was knocked to the left, 126. —— there are no to the left. the "aye-s" — there are no to the left. the "aye's" habit. unlock. 126 there are no to the left. the �*aye's' habit. unlock. 126 votes auainst �*aye's' habit. unlock. 126 votes against the _ �*aye's' habit. unlock. 126 votes against the government - �*aye's' habit. unlock. 126 votes against the government plan . �*aye's' habit. unlock. 126 votesj against the government plan for bringing covid—19 certification. that's a real thick —— a significant number because there will be some opposition mps in there. and the liberal democrats are voting against it and they will be some labour rebels but it does suggest a high number of conservatives prepared to vote against the government and that will concern borisjohnson. we look at the next half hour or so we will find out who was on it but it does suggest a number of conservatives have real concern about that and we are prepared to make their mark phelps tonight.— are prepared to make their mark phelps tonight. explain what you're talkin: phelps tonight. explain what you're talking about _ phelps tonight. explain what you're talking about when _ phelps tonight. explain what you're talking about when you _ phelps tonight. explain what you're talking about when you refer - phelps tonight. explain what you're talking about when you refer to - phelps tonight. explain what you're talking about when you refer to a l talking about when you refer to a list. we have got the results here. 369-126 but list. we have got the results here. 369—126 but we have not got the details of which mps voted which way. details of which mps voted which wa . ., �* , details of which mps voted which wa . . �* , ~ , way. that's right. mps impart parliament — way. that's right. mps impart parliament walk _ way. that's right. mps impart parliament walk into - way. that's right. mps impart parliament walk into physical| parliament walk into physical lobbies developed and the numbers are counted up and announced in parliament and 20 minutes later we get a list of how each of them voted so it will be interesting to see how big that rebellion in the conservative party was but it certainly suggests it's the biggest ever that boris johnson certainly suggests it's the biggest ever that borisjohnson has certainly suggests it's the biggest ever that boris johnson has faced certainly suggests it's the biggest ever that borisjohnson has faced as planning estate. anything over 59 will be the biggest rebellion that the payment is to face since he took office and even more remarkable when you think about the size of the majority he has in parliament. if it does reach that number and the promised opposition votes and labour votes to get that measure through. and although yes it's happening, covid—19 certification is now happening but it's not a comfortable position for any pet minister to be an to rely on the opposition to get bullets through. this an to rely on the opposition to get bullets through.— bullets through. as you say, this does not matter— bullets through. as you say, this does not matter in _ bullets through. as you say, this does not matter in terms - bullets through. as you say, this does not matter in terms of- bullets through. as you say, this - does not matter in terms of whether this measure happens or not. it's going to happen and it was always going to happen and it was always going to happen and it was always going to once care starmer indicated labour would come behind it. given that the prime minister has that support and the measure is happening why significant beyond just for those who follow the conservative party very closely? why is it significant that people watching one of that this number of conservative mps will vote against the pet minister? , ., ., minister? let me give you two secific minister? let me give you two specific reasons. _ minister? let me give you two specific reasons. one - minister? let me give you two specific reasons. one is - minister? let me give you two specific reasons. one is it - minister? let me give you two i specific reasons. one is it called into question borisjohnson's authority and his party. we talked a lot in the last couple of weeks about some of the damage that's been done to borisjohnson his reputation by the various controversy as we had seen of her downing street parties. in the past, borisjohnson was able to persuade a number of his mps to do things that they may be did not want to do. the size of this rebellion suggests he's losing some of that ability and that may be links to some of the bruises he's received over the last couple of weeks. second reason there's a lot of speculation about —— around midwest minister. what measures might be needed by the end of this month. the measures that have been passed tonight might not go far enough. if that's the case, what the rebels wanted to do the conservatives who voted against the government, what they wanted to do tonight in the words of one was fire a bow across the government and see look, we're not prepared to go along with just anything. we are prepared to rebel against you and you are going to face a lot of trouble in your own party if you decide to go further. borisjohnson would have to ask himself tonight if you just need to go further or feels the need to go further based on scientific advice how many rebels be then? i have quite a number of further questions. everyone watching can see, 369 supported these measures and covid—19 passes. 126 are against. we are waiting to find out how many of those 126 where conservative mps although as nick was explaining it's a good number of them will be conservatives so it's a major issue here for party discipline for the pet minister. as they are talking about that, we have seen the chamber empty and not the mps are coming back in again. what have they been voting on this time? there's a final vote now on making vaccines compulsory for health care workers in england. it's an interesting one to watch as well. i don't think that rebellion will be as big but labour mps been coming under some pressure from unions to oppose this. and it will be interesting to see if there is a significant labour rebellion on this and how many conservative mps feel they can back up as well. fine they can back up as well. one ruestion they can back up as well. one question about _ they can back up as well. one question about the _ they can back up as well. one question about the broader political context here. the pet minister had a bumpy few weeks on the row over elaine pattison who ended up stepping down as an mp that cbi speech and the christmas party and downing street last december. you know all of these elements. to what degree have those played into the way mps are voting. some people are using these votes to meet broader political points. i using these votes to meet broader political points-— political points. i think they are. i think there _ political points. i think they are. i think there are _ political points. i think they are. i think there are conservative i political points. i think they are. i i think there are conservative mps who are worried about the direction of travel and worried about a lack of travel and worried about a lack of grip in downing street. i returned to that point and it's really significant which is that borisjohnson in the past has been able to get his party to do things in parliament and they weren't always comfortable with and he was always comfortable with and he was always very good at persuading some of these backbenchers that they could maybe swallow something to get something else in return down the line. the numbers of rebels that seem to have gone through voted against the government tonight and suggest borisjohnson is losing that ability and that would seem to be at least linked if not largely down to some of the controversy is of the last couple of weeks.— some of the controversy is of the last couple of weeks. thank you very much. last couple of weeks. thank you very much- itest — last couple of weeks. thank you very much- itest of _ last couple of weeks. thank you very much. best of all, _ last couple of weeks. thank you very much. best of all, mps _ last couple of weeks. thank you very much. best of all, mps have - last couple of weeks. thank you very much. best of all, mps have voted . much. best of all, mps have voted through mandatory masks in certain venues in england. we were pretty sure that was going to go through without too many bumps and so it was. the one we were focused on was the boat around covid—19 passes for certain venues. we knew some conservative mps were unhappy about this. they boat has gone for the prime minister 369 to 126. what we want to know is how many of those mps who voted against where from the prime minister's on conservative party? it starts getting up until the 70, 80, 90 party? it starts getting up until the 70,80, 90 mp region this would be a significant conservative rebellion against the prime minister and as nick was explaining a replacer? against the prime minister authority. we are waiting for the outcome of a separate vote on making vaccines mandatory for nhs staff and we are waiting for the outcome of that and again we are expecting this to go through and we are looking for how many mps may vote against it. not because it will stop the measures but because it will tell us more about the pet minister ability to persuade his own conservative mps to persuade his own conservative mps to come behind further restrictions because as he will discuss a number of countries around the world are bringing in more restrictions and england to also follow suit. these new measures are an attempt to tackle the fast spreading variant. let's have a look at the latest numbers. the uk reported 59,610 new covid—19 cases on tuesday. that's the highest daily figure since early january. but there are fears the real number is far higher. the uk health security agency estimates that there are now more than 200,000 new infections of the omicron variant every day. here's the health secretary earlier. scientists have never seen a covid—19 variant that is capable of spreading so rapidly so we have to look at what we can do to slow omicron's advance. the four nations are deciding their own approach to the situation. let's look at scotland. if an important development. it's the toughest guidance for any of the four nations of the uk. here is the first minister.— is the first minister. before and immediately — is the first minister. before and immediately after _ is the first minister. before and immediately after christmas . is the first minister. before and - immediately after christmas please minimise your social mixing with other households as much as you can. if you do plan on socialising either at home or indoor public places we're you limit the number of household represented in your group to a maximum of three. let’s household represented in your group to a maximum of three.— to a maximum of three. let's return to a maximum of three. let's return to westminster _ to a maximum of three. let's return to westminster where _ to a maximum of three. let's return to westminster where the _ to a maximum of three. let's return to westminster where the major - to a maximum of three. let's return i to westminster where the major votes a number of what's happening but the one they're focused on was on covid—19 passes for certain venues and mps have bulleted 369 through 126 just explained there was not any political drama here in terms of whether it would pass because we knew from yesterday neighbour indicated it would support the government. but we were looking for was how many conservative party mps would go against the prime ministers wishes and we don't know how many of that are conservative and it seems likely a significant number of them will be in which case it is a shot across the bows from these rebels and saying to the prime minister be wary of trying to bring in any further covid—19 restrictions something he may have to consider depending on what's happened with omicron. let's look closer at the covid pass rule. it comes into place from wednesday. it means anyone entering nightclubs indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people unseated outdoor venues with more than a,000 people or any venue with more than 10,000 people will have to show show they've had at least two vaccine doses or have proof of a negative test taken in the past a8 hours, or show that they have an exemption. some large events are exempt — including communal worship, weddings, funerals, protests and mass participation sporting events, like marathons. here's health secretary sajid javid making the case before the vote. a requirement, of course. an attempt to reduce the venue from covid—19 i think it is a sensible proportionate way that provides a number of outcomes and a number of flexibilities in doing so. we will a part as professor of demography and they advised the government. 19 forjoining us. would you have voted for covid—19 passes. do you think they work? i you have voted for covid-19 passes. do you think they work?— do you think they work? i think it was interesting _ do you think they work? i think it was interesting how _ do you think they work? i think it was interesting how the - do you think they work? i think it. was interesting how the discussion introduced eight or change the narrative any call that a lateral flow testing for large events with exceptions for the second vaccine. it's a different positioning because the debate into that point to really talk about it from the restrictions and ethics and inequalities in privacy concerns and this is just now positioned as a lateral flow test and i think that really positions it in a different way so i think that's another way to think about it. ., , ., think that's another way to think about it. ., , . ., , about it. the conservative party leadership _ about it. the conservative party leadership are _ about it. the conservative party leadership are trying _ about it. the conservative party leadership are trying to - about it. the conservative party i leadership are trying to positioned this in a way to make it palatable to as many mps as possible. some of these rebels say this might feel good and it might feel like the right thing to do but there is no evidence that these are on par and can reduce transmission inside large venues. what does the science say about this? we venues. what does the science say about this?— about this? we try to look at what science and _ about this? we try to look at what science and republish _ about this? we try to look at what science and republish something l science and republish something today and what we looked at was what was the impact when different countries introduce mandatory certification and quite a few actually have over the last three years and we looked at infections and what you just asking and reluctant vaccine uptake and refund for vaccine uptake it was very clear. ., , for vaccine uptake it was very clear. . , ., ., ., , clear. that is go back to the house of commons _ clear. that is go back to the house of commons because _ clear. that is go back to the house of commons because we _ clear. that is go back to the house of commons because we are - clear. that is go back to the house | of commons because we are waiting for the outcomes on the latest. let us keep listening. we thought we were going to hear the results but maybe we are not. nick is also telling us that's not happening yet. professor i apologise for interrupting you may need flow, please carry on. interrupting you may need flow, please carry on-_ interrupting you may need flow, please carry on. what i was saying is we looked _ please carry on. what i was saying is we looked at _ please carry on. what i was saying is we looked at what _ please carry on. what i was saying is we looked at what is _ please carry on. what i was saying is we looked at what is the - please carry on. what i was saying is we looked at what is the impact | is we looked at what is the impact for vaccine certification can be found increased vaccine uptake in countries that have lower levels so higher levels of vaccine has a tendency like france and italy and we saw when it was linked to large events or nightclubs which has since been suggested here in england not to switzerland as well and be particularly saw a higher increase in vaccine uptake for younger people so it was tight. in vaccine uptake for younger people so it was tight-— so it was tight. there are two different things _ so it was tight. there are two different things here. - so it was tight. there are two different things here. there l so it was tight. there are two | different things here. there is whether a pass of this nature drives people to have vaccinations and you said you'd seem clear evidence of that in france. but there is a second thing which is within the venue itself when all of those people are present does demanding a pass of them decrease the chance of the virus spreading in that event? can we say that works? i the virus spreading in that event? can we say that works?— the virus spreading in that event? can we say that works? i don't think there's enough _ can we say that works? i don't think there's enough evidence. _ can we say that works? i don't think there's enough evidence. we - can we say that works? i don't thinkj there's enough evidence. we looked at it and try to link it across six different countries that introduced it and i think there's a reason why you can't link it to infection looking at this because it's one major. countries are introducing it when there's already a huge increase in infections and to separate one single intervention is almost impossible. so you have to take multiple interventions. that's what they are voting on now so things such as face coverings and physical distancing and working from home, all of these different things combined together to lower infections that it would be difficult and i would challenge anyone to think logically how could you relate one specific intervention and i think it's too hard to really try to establish that. that's what we found as well.— we found as well. stay with us if ou can. we found as well. stay with us if you can- we _ we found as well. stay with us if you can. we are _ we found as well. stay with us if you can. we are now— we found as well. stay with us if you can. we are now looking - we found as well. stay with us if you can. we are now looking at| we found as well. stay with us if i you can. we are now looking at the life picture is from the house of commons and here's a series of votes on the proposed new covid—19 measures are happening. my colleague is in the lobby of house of parliament. bring us up—to—date with what's happening. fist parliament. bring us up-to-date with what's happening-— parliament. bring us up-to-date with what's happening. at the moment the boat is on compulsory _ what's happening. at the moment the boat is on compulsory vaccines - what's happening. at the moment the boat is on compulsory vaccines for - boat is on compulsory vaccines for health care workers and i've got with me just now one of the conservative mps who voted against the government. do you know how many of your colleagues took part in that's rebellion?— that's rebellion? nick, iwould interrut that's rebellion? nick, iwould interrupt you _ that's rebellion? nick, iwould interrupt you and _ that's rebellion? nick, iwould interrupt you and your- that's rebellion? nick, iwould interrupt you and your guests. that's rebellion? nick, i would - interrupt you and your guests. let's listen to what's happening in the chamber. ., , chamber. the �*aye's' to the rights, 385. the chamber. the �*aye's' to the rights, 385- the noes _ chamber. the �*aye's' to the rights, 385. the noes to _ chamber. the �*aye's' to the rights, 385. the noes to the _ chamber. the �*aye's' to the rights, 385. the noes to the left, _ chamber. the �*aye's' to the rights, 385. the noes to the left, 100. - chamber. the �*aye's' to the rights, 385. the noes to the left, 100. the | 385. the noes to the left, 100. the "aye-s" — 385. the noes to the left, 100. the "aye's" habit. —— had it. 385. the noes to the left, 100. the "aye's" habit. -- had it.— "aye's" habit. -- had it. another significant _ "aye's" habit. -- had it. another significant results. _ "aye's" habit. -- had it. another significant results. 100 - "aye's" habit. -- had it. another significant results. 100 people i significant results. 100 people voting against the government. that will likely include a number of conservative mps and let's talk this over as they were about to do with charles walker, one of those voting against the government tonight. how many of your colleagues voted against the government on covid—19 passports? it’s against the government on covid-19 --assorts? �*, ., ,., against the government on covid-19 --assorts? �*, ., ':: :: against the government on covid-19 ”assorts? �*, ., q“, i ., passports? it's about 100 give or take one or— passports? it's about 100 give or take one or two. _ passports? it's about 100 give or take one or two. that's - passports? it's about 100 give or take one or two. that's what - passports? it's about 100 give or take one or two. that's what i i take one or two. that's what i understand. their labour lips were very kind accounting for us. i suspect they are not too far off. that's a significant number. what does it mean for the pending is their authority? the does it mean for the pending is their authority?— does it mean for the pending is their authori ? ~ , their authority? the prime minister has hue their authority? the prime minister has huge support — their authority? the prime minister has huge support amongst - has huge support amongst conservative members and with support from me and most of those people. and most of those people want to see the prime minister prosper. this wasjust want to see the prime minister prosper. this was just a bridge too far. vaccine passed with what tomorrow or a week down the road. and it's been proven in scotland, vaccine passports do not work and they did not prevent infection. so it was a cry of pain from the conservative party. remember, despite the hundred that voted against their own governments there are many extensions as well. if against their own governments there are many extensions as well. ii 100 are many extensions as well. if 100 conservative _ are many extensions as well. if 100 conservative mps _ are many extensions as well. if 100 conservative mps voted _ are many extensions as well. if 100 conservative mps voted against - are many extensions as well. if 100 conservative mps voted against the government that deprives boris johnson of his majority if opposition parties voted against the government as well that obviously did not happen tonight. but surely that calls into question boris johnson's ability to persuade his own party of the things he wants to do as per minister. i own party of the things he wants to do as per minister.— do as per minister. i don't believe it does. do as per minister. i don't believe it does- he's _ do as per minister. i don't believe it does. he's in _ do as per minister. i don't believe it does. he's in a _ do as per minister. i don't believe it does. he's in a very _ do as per minister. i don't believe it does. he's in a very difficult - it does. he's in a very difficult position. there has been a strong view within the conservative party of the vaccine passports do not work and is not something that many colleagues wanted to see. i suspect there are many colleagues working with the government holding their nose. it is a very specific line being drawn in the sand and i think the prime minister and his team need to listen. the the prime minister and his team need to listen. ~ , ., to listen. the prime minister told the 1922 committee _ to listen. the prime minister told the 1922 committee you - to listen. the prime minister told the 1922 committee you are - to listen. the prime minister told the 1922 committee you are in i to listen. the prime minister told - the 1922 committee you are in there, that the government had to act on omicron because he's worried about what it could mean event next few weeks. are you telling our audience this means the conservative party will rebel against any other measures?— will rebel against any other measures? ., . , ~ measures? not necessarily. buti think the mood _ measures? not necessarily. buti think the mood has _ measures? not necessarily. buti think the mood has changed. - measures? not necessarily. but i - think the mood has changed. changed in what sense? _ think the mood has changed. changed in what sense? the _ think the mood has changed. changed in what sense? the prime _ think the mood has changed. changed in what sense? the prime will- think the mood has changed. changed in what sense? the prime will find - in what sense? the prime will find it hard persuade you?— in what sense? the prime will find it hard persuade you? rebellion by a factor of two — it hard persuade you? rebellion by a factor of two so _ it hard persuade you? rebellion by a factor of two so clearly _ it hard persuade you? rebellion by a factor of two so clearly the _ it hard persuade you? rebellion by a factor of two so clearly the views - factor of two so clearly the views the back benches are hardened. what the back benches are hardened. what is that name — the back benches are hardened. what is that name in _ the back benches are hardened. what is that name in the _ the back benches are hardened. what is that name in the sand? vaccine - is that name in the sand? vaccine passports. _ is that name in the sand? vaccine passports, freedoms, _ is that name in the sand? vaccine passports, freedoms, similarly i is that name in the sand? vaccine i passports, freedoms, similarly built —— civil liberties. in 2020 london emptied out a week before lockdown and they came in on the train on the cube and it was standing on the cube and the train was very full so people are quantifying their own risk differently and that is what has changed. they have faith in the vaccines and the understand what their risk profile is and they are willing to lay up those risks within their own lives and around their friends and family.— their own lives and around their friends and family. thank you for takin: the friends and family. thank you for taking the time _ friends and family. thank you for taking the time to _ friends and family. thank you for taking the time to speak- friends and family. thank you for taking the time to speak to - friends and family. thank you for taking the time to speak to us. i friends and family. thank you forj taking the time to speak to us. it is worth remembering this is going to happen. covid—19 certification did pass the apartment. the big question that's been asked tonight is what does this mean for boris johnson's authority and what does it mean for his decision—making process in the future if he feels are they restrictions are necessary, does he believe he can take his party with him? as nick was interviewing charles, he said it's a bridge too far and we are putting a marker down and he described the decision of many tory mps to vote against the per minister as a cry of pain, discomfort, and how the government is responding to the omicron variant but that's the chorus the health secretary and the prime minister have chosen and that will come to pass as nick was saying because the political drama aside, these measures have gone through with the support of the opposition labour party and they will come into place tomorrow. let's recap. the boats we just saw on making it compulsory for staff to be fully vaccinated by april 22 he has gone through. 385 votes but 100 mps voted against that measure and the thing that is being waited for is how many were conservatives. we need to know the details and we'll get those in the next few minutes. there was another votes, the most high—profile one on covid—19 passes. you have to show how to double vaccine or a negative test recently to go to certain venues. that went through. 369 votes but 126 voted against the introduction of these covid—19 passes according to the labour mp 101 of them are tory mps. so if that is the case by some distance their biggest rebellion of borisjohnson's time as per minister since he won the 2019 election. we also had a vote on making mask compulsory and indirect settings except for pubs and restaurants. this is the easiest one for the prime minister to navigate a pass aa1 votes with a1 voting against. that mandates will come into play. as we've been discussing borisjohnson was already under pressure on several fronts before this evenings rebellion. first of all there is the christmas party and downing street a year ago or possibly parties and these could have broken covid—19 guidelines at that time on there is a government investigation currently under way. we should know the outcome of that investigation in the next few days. then, there are the questions of a borisjohnson's revamp of his downing street flat and how that was paid for. last week the conservative party was find over £70,000 by the electoral commission for failing to accurately report a donation that paid for their refurbishment. and then the third thing to mention is that as a by election on thursday and it was triggered by the resignation of owen patterson who broke upon entry rules on lobbying and typing in north structure. there is close attention on the by election. lots of different elements to the story. sebastian is with the financial times and he is the presenter of the politics, a podcast i can recommend. what do you make of those notes? the rebellions? this i can recommend. what do you make of those notes? the rebellions?— those notes? the rebellions? this is horrific for boris _ those notes? the rebellions? this is horrific for boris johnson. _ those notes? the rebellions? this is horrific for boris johnson. all - those notes? the rebellions? this is horrific for boris johnson. all of - horrific for boris johnson. all of these results, the absolute top end of what downing street was expecting. that prime minister addressed the committee of backbench tory mps this afternoon and he gave a measured when he said there is no alternative these measures. he said he wanted to be as free as possible and ministers coming out to that meeting in parliament today said they thought the rebellion was disappearing and it seems to have had the opposite effect. they've got over 100 tory mps guarding against the government on vaccine passports means one thing now. if boris johnson has the combat department next week for future weeks with plans how can he possibly get that through with an uprising on his own side and the key thing to note is if there was to be a leadership challenge against borisjohnson and number of mps required will be 5a in both the votes tonight borisjohnson has exceeded that level to protect borisjohnson so i think what they cherilus is the conservative party is in a much more febrile mood and we might have previously thought. hate we might have previously thought. we heard from one of the rebels a few minutes ago saying it is nothing to do with borisjohnson's leadership it's specifically about covid—19 restrictions and your conversations do you buy that?— restrictions and your conversations do you buy that? obviously the issue of vaccine passports _ do you buy that? obviously the issue of vaccine passports are _ of vaccine passports are certification is the government because it is a particular issue that gets the conservative view in terms of the role of the state and what individuals should and should not be allowed to be but the rebellions are so big this raises big questions about that government operation and i'm sure they'll be questions about the future of the chief with mark spencer or downing street political operation why were people saying this thing was going to be nowhere when it's really quite big. ifind it to rest of his to be nowhere when it's really quite big. i find it to rest of his time as prime minister to date. an fundamentally there is a very likely that they may need to be more covid—19 restrictions in the coming weeks and that's what the medical and scientific advisers have warned ministers today. borisjohnson does come back and he says that, once again there is no alternative. this is what we have to do and mps go the other way but how many times i be able to keep doing that. at the moment it may not be about boris johnson but it will be very soon. one part of the context here is north of the border in scotland, nicola sturgeon has taken this decision to send a very clear message saying please only three family groups socialising together at christmas because we are worried about this. ., ., ., about this. hinting that scotland ma no about this. hinting that scotland may go further _ about this. hinting that scotland may go further and _ about this. hinting that scotland may go further and as _ about this. hinting that scotland may go further and as you - about this. hinting that scotland may go further and as you say i may go further and as you say england may have to decide to go further as well sooner rather than later. i further as well sooner rather than later. ., , , , later. i think this is the very difficult that _ later. i think this is the very difficult that ministers - later. i think this is the very difficult that ministers nowl later. i think this is the very - difficult that ministers now face. it obviously we are learning more about the theory and the whole time with data coming in and by the end of this week it's been analysed and in a much clearer idea on its transmissibility but also about serious illness and at that point that will feed into their model and will give a much better idea in terms of where this is going and what restrictions will be heeded. and that's the very uncomfortable situation borisjohnson now and that's the very uncomfortable situation boris johnson now faces. he's obviously going be humbled by this votes if he does have to come back and he connected to the rebels this afternoon to see more measures are required he will have a vote so he could be back at this time next week or the week after having the same thing and of course they have to see what those measures are but i think further vaccine certification in terms of pubs are restaurants you can imagine the rebellion will be even bigger than the one we had seen. eventually that to a not to her borisjohnson politically seen. eventually that to a not to her boris johnson politically and personally. her boris johnson politically and personally-— her boris johnson politically and ersonall . ., ., . , , personally. you watch these things very closely- _ personally. you watch these things very closely. north _ personally. you watch these things very closely. north structure - personally. you watch these things very closely. north structure is - personally. you watch these things very closely. north structure is not| very closely. north structure is not in play is it? . it’s very closely. north structure is not in play is it? -_ in play is it? . it's a mountain to climb but _ in play is it? . it's a mountain to climb but we — in play is it? . it's a mountain to climb but we are _ in play is it? . it's a mountain to climb but we are climbing - in play is it? . it's a mountain to climb but we are climbing the i climb but we are climbing the mountain. and i know conservative campuses who have been out there are increasingly worried about the feedback on the doorstep but it's such a big majority. 23,000 that would require an almighty swing and it could be lots of tory voters staying at home and sitting on their hands but if they do lose it or even if they come close to losing it and borisjohnson problems are going to get even worse. you boris johnson problems are going to get even worse-— get even worse. you can read his commentary _ get even worse. you can read his commentary both _ get even worse. you can read his commentary both on _ get even worse. you can read his commentary both on the websitej get even worse. you can read his - commentary both on the website and on his feet. if you'rejoining us let me recap the votes that have just happened in the house of commons. politically significant no doubt. and for how england will respond to the current situation with covid—19. one of the votes was on whether front line nhs and social care staff have to be fully vaccinated by april next year and that past. 385 votes to 100. but think about that. the majority of those 100 votes we think conservative mps. a significant rebellion against borisjohnson on the other boats, the most significant of the evening was on covid—19 passes. a pass he would need to get into certain venues. that pass by 369 to 126 against. this looks like a significant rebellion and the labour party counting the rebels as you would imagine it might want to says 101 tory mps voted against this particular plan and we wait for official confirmation on that but there is no reason to think that labour party is too far out. if it's correct by far the biggest rebellion against borisjohnson since the general election of 2019. and we have the first vote of the evening by making mask compulsory in most indoor settings except for pubs and restaurants. this one was not contested at scarcity. aa1 to a0 against so that goes through as well. all three measures come into play shortly in england. the story is not that this rebellion stopped the thing from happening the story is that sebastian was explaining this is about what happens if boris johnson needs to go further and might he be able to get back to parliament with his party unhappy about it. while that's been happening in westminster, there are other important elements relating to the pandemic. the world health organization is warning against complacency in the face of the omicron variant. there's more early evidence today from south africa that the fourth wave of coronavirus there is producing less severe illness than before. but the head of the who says omicron could still overwhelm health systems across the world. omicron is spreading at the rate we have not seen with any previous variant. we are concerned that people are dismissing omicron as mild. surely we have learned by now thought to underestimate this virus at our peril. even if omicron does cause less severe deaths, the number of cases could overwhelm unprepared health systems. that's the view form the who. meanwhile, new research from south africa where omicron was first identified suggests the pfizer vaccine could still provide good protection against serious illness. the study looked at 200,000 cases recorded starting in mid—november, just before the omicron wave began — looking at how much protection two doses of the pfizer vaccine provided — compared to earlier waves of the virus. in the delta wave two doses of pfizer provided 80% protection against people being infected by covid. with omicron added to the mix — that fell to 33% — a big drop. but most of those infections were mild. when it comes to protecting against serious illness — against the delta variant, pfizer prevented 93% of hospital admissions. with omicron that fell to 70%. so two doses of pfizer, is holding up well there. there are other indicators that omicron is causing less serious infections. mia malan is a senior editor, reporting on the health system in south africa. we also have data that shows that hospital stays are shorter and that we have fewer patients requiring oxygen and that people seem to recover quicker. for instance if they are not hospitalised it feels like the average person against covid—19 recovers within three days. scientists caution that it's still very early days. here's david nabarro from the world health organisation on where research on omicron has got to. this is like a detective story. you are looking for evidence. you closer and closer to understanding what really is happening. but you are sometimes although you are tantalizingly close you are not 100% sure. ijust checked before i came on the air just now and i was asking colleagues is there anything certain we can say about vaccine efficacy and they said we are not ready yet. what we can be definitive about is that south africa has seen a steep rise in cases. the seven—day average is now higher than at any stage before in the pandemic. in terms of the government's response. restrictions were last updated back in october. they include a night time curfew. there are restrictions on large gatherings — the rules allow for up to 750 people in bars and restaurants. and wearing a facemask is a legal requirement in public places. despite the faster spreading omicron variant — south africa is not introducing any new restrictions. angelique coetzee is the doctor who first identified the new variant. look at what is happening at the roundtable. dash ground level. and in the cases the family practitioner in the hospitals then we don't see the need for stricter restrictions in the economic downfall as well and again people already upset and there is no use putting any restrictions around because the virus is everywhere. again, people are already upset, there is no use putting any restrictions, because the virus is everywhere. restrictions, because the virus is everywhere-— restrictions, because the virus is everywhere. that's analysis from south africa. _ everywhere. that's analysis from south africa. in _ everywhere. that's analysis from south africa. in europe, - everywhere. that's analysis from south africa. in europe, a - everywhere. that's analysis from | south africa. in europe, a number everywhere. that's analysis from - south africa. in europe, a number of countries are continuing to increase restrictions. we have already discussed with the uk is doing with the government's plan b, and in the past hour or so, the netherlands has announced tougher rules. it's causing primary schools illegally for christmas. the effort is to stop the virus from spreading from children to their families. early closing for restaurants and non—essential restaurants and non—essential restaurants at 5pm will be extended into january. he has more from anna halligan in the hague. it’s into january. he has more from anna halligan in the hague.— halligan in the hague. it's good news for children, _ halligan in the hague. it's good news for children, because - halligan in the hague. it's good i news for children, because school holidays in the netherlands are starting early. not such good news for grandparents. the prime minister said noah cuddling children under the christmas tree. also, parents now we'll be rushing to find last—minute childcare to cover them over next week. that well of course largely fall to the grandparents that this rule is designed to protect. the prime minister also said don't use grandparents for this reason. find other ways to get through. the schools will close on monday, a week early, or tuesday if they need extra time to sort this out. away from schools which are the kind of notorious virus factories all over the world, the existing current rules will be extended until the iath current rules will be extended until the 1ath of january, so just to remind you what those are, bars, restaurants, cafes, but also theatres, cinemas, gins, swimming pools, they all have to close between 5pm and five a:m.. there is a kind of urgent need now to relieve pressure on the health service, because the health minister is also talking and said although they believe they are over the peak of the delta variant, now they are dealing with omicron, and in amsterdam, the capital, omicron now accounts for 3% of all new infections, and they are looking at the uk where the infection rate for omicron is doubling every two or three days. they are kind of buckling their seat belts and getting ready for that, and recommending that people don't rock around the christmas tree. so house visitors will stay at a maximum number of four house guests every day, and that will continue right over the christmas period and into new year. iam i am interested, we have had announcements in scotland today, which are guidance, so not lie, just guidance on how people socialise. how does that work in the netherlands? is this guidance or something stronger? this netherlands? is this guidance or something stronger?— something stronger? this is stronger- — something stronger? this is stronger. so _ something stronger? this is stronger. so these - something stronger? this is stronger. so these are - something stronger? this is stronger. so these are the l something stronger? this is - stronger. so these are the rules. how strictly these rules are enforced, well, that berries actually, which each rule. i came back from the netherlands from the uk on sunday and i was told before boarding i had to have a negative test, predeparture, it was never checked. i mean, a lot of these thingsjust checked. i mean, a lot of these things just aren't checked. they don't have the capacity to make sure that people are following the rules. i know from a neighbour during the last lockdown when it was recommended that people could only have four house guests, it felt like they brought the whole bar home with them. so, some things are easier to enforce, obviously, some masks have to be worn in all indoor public places and on public transport, and those who don't follow that rule can be fined 95 euros. there is definitely some degree of people having to stick to the rules. these mandatory rules, but also a lot of people here are watching what's been happening in the uk, and also ijust tired. it's the second christmas now people are being asked to observe these types of rules. there is frustration with the government because the blister campaign is so slow. so the over 66 age group is onlyjust been invited forward for their boosterjab, although a little bit more was said about that in a press conference. the health minister said that by mid january, everyone who wants a booster against covid over the age of 18 should be able to get one, but it still feels here like a lot of people have lost faith, actually, and what the government is doing because they were told to follow the will rules and everything would be ok, and here we are once again. here and everything would be ok, and here we are once again.— we are once again. here we are once atain she we are once again. here we are once again she says _ we are once again. here we are once again she says and — we are once again. here we are once again she says and the _ again she says and the netherlands. let's turn now to scotland where people have been asked to limit socialising in the run—up to christmas. she stressed that this is legal advice, not —— nota —— not a requirement. it is increasing faster than any other previous variant that we have seen. it certainly felt like christmas was coming at this market in glasgow, butjust how much will the new variant effect celebrations in scotland? ahead of nicola sturgeon's statement, shoppers were anxious about omicron and the impact it might have on their lives. the plan is to go to my son's and daughter—in—law�*s for christmas, spend it with the wee one since it is herfirst one and my worry is we won't be able to. at holyrood, the first minister said this was not the update she had wanted. my key request is this, before and immediately after christmas, please minimise your social mixing with other households as much as you can. if you do plan on socialising either at home or in indoor public places, we are asking that you limit the number of households represented in your group to a maximum of three and make sure you test before you go. the scottish conservatives said ms sturgeon should have moved faster and booster vaccinations. week after week at my party has come to the chamber and asked _ the first minister to- prepare to bring in mass vaccination cenres but only now, i only today has that been accepted. the first minister's statement also included legally enforceable measures to stop crowding and maintain physical distancing in shops and hospitality venues. and there will be £200 million to support businesses affected by the changes, and to help people to self—isolate. nicola sturgeon was adamant she did not want to cancel christmas. nevertheless, these changes will make big differences to people's festive season. there is definitely an atmosphere in the air, people are just getting a bit more worried and people are not going to have the christmas they hoped for. i feel like by now, - people have stopped caring a little bit, especially now with the festive spirit. - people are kind of desperate to go out and socialise and go back- to their normal lives. with the things going on at downing street with parties and things like that, it makes you think, what is the point of they are not sticking to it? the first minister set out a plan which is designed to see scotland through the winter, but no—one can predict with certaintyjust how severe this new wave will be. james shaw, bbc news, glasgow. we know across the uk, covid cases are continuing to rise. and the government continues to move to implmenet its "plan b". almost 60,000 people have tested positive in the past 2a hours. also more than half a million people received their boosterjabs in the last 2a hours. that's in line with the government's targets. there have though been issues. here's deputy prime minister dominic raab. i appreciate there has been some teething problems as we ramp this up. you know, it does take a few days just to make sure we get to the study states, but we have had on saturday night and the last data i saw half a million people get their booster. the government's plan is to accelerate the booster rollout and encourage people to test more regularly. but meeting demand is a challenge. on tuesday morning there were no available walk—in pcr tests in england. the government say that's since been resolved. and on both monday and tuesday there were long queues at walk—in vaccination sites — some people waited up to five hours. here's one woman in bristol. i'm really surprised at how many people are here. i got here half an hour before it opened and i thought there might be a bit of a queue, but i think there's just so few options. it's worth noting that while they are figuring out how to deliver these, many people in developing countries remain completely unvaccinated. this is an issue that who has emphasised again and again, and we heard it once more from the head of the who. in many countries, those hospitalised and dying are those who have hot— hospitalised and dying are those who have not been vaccinated. so the priority— have not been vaccinated. so the priority must be to vaccinate the unvaccinated. even in countries who have better— unvaccinated. even in countries who have better access to vaccines. charles bangham is a professor of immunology at imperial college london. why aren't the two doses enough to prevent us in the context of omicron, why are they so important?— they so important? yes, as he mentioned a — they so important? yes, as he mentioned a few _ they so important? yes, as he mentioned a few moments - they so important? yes, as he i mentioned a few moments ago, they so important? yes, as he - mentioned a few moments ago, two doses give you good protection against the delta variant on earlier variants and particularly good protection against severe disease, but each new variant has a few mutations that make it different from the previous ones and can make the immune system rather less efficient in telling the new virus. the omicron variant has a lot of mutations. it's a big jump. the immunity to a virus to get from vaccination or infection has two main weapons about the antibodies and t cells. up the antibodies and t cells have to be educated, taught how to recognise a new virus or a new variant of the virus. what each vaccination does is gives that education another boost. it increases the amount and efficiency of the antibodies and the t cells. so what the booster does is to boost both the antibodies ended t cells, and the more of each of them you have, the better your protection. it's important to that immunity to a virus is almost never wear black and white. it's not all or none. it's a spectrum, it's a matter of efficiency. in spectrum, it's a matter of efficiency-— spectrum, it's a matter of efficiency. in terms of that spectrum. _ efficiency. in terms of that spectrum, three _ efficiency. in terms of that spectrum, three is - efficiency. in terms of that spectrum, three is betterl efficiency. in terms of that - spectrum, three is better than two. at down the track, might we be better talking about for being better talking about for being better than three or five being better than three or five being better than three or five being better than three. the better than three or five being better than three.— better than three or five being better than three. the short answer is es, but better than three. the short answer is yes. but with _ better than three. the short answer is yes, but with each _ better than three. the short answer is yes, but with each successive - is yes, but with each successive vaccination for me to get diminishing returns. it's unlikely that at the moment we need a fourth. what we cannot predict is what we might need next year because, of course, we don't know whether there will be another variant that appears next year. it's impossible to predict the way in which any viruses going to evolve. we simply don't know. it may be that we need to be vaccination every year, as we do against influenza, because as you know, we need a booster against flu every year because that changes every year because that changes every year. it may be that the coronavirus does the same thing. when we look at rates of vaccination, we have heard some scientist suggesting that the lower the rate the vaccination the higher the rate the vaccination the higher the chance the virus can mutate in that environment. is that a correct understanding of how variance a marriage? understanding of how variance a marriate? ., ., . understanding of how variance a marriate? . . . ., understanding of how variance a marriate? . ., ., ., marriage? variance a marriage when the virus multiplies. _ marriage? variance a marriage when the virus multiplies. so the - marriage? variance a marriage when the virus multiplies. so the more - the virus multiplies. so the more that the virus has the chance to multiply, whether it's in one prisoner in the whole population, the greater chance that new mutations will appear. in someone with a pole immune system, immunocompromised, the virus has a much better chance to multiply. so it might be that these variants that appear with a lot of mutations, they might have originated in someone with an inefficient immune system. finally, professor, ijust want to ask a question which i imagine you can't answer definitively, but i know lots of eras will be thinking at this moment as omicron becomes more and more serious. when does this and? at what point can we see something that looks like a viable stable situation with this virus? welcome as i mentioned a moment ago, no one can predict the way in which antivirus is going to evolve. i think for some time, many of us have suspected that it's likely eventually to end up rather like influenza. as you know the flu causes an outbreak every winter, and every few winters, it causes a big one, a pandemic ora big every few winters, it causes a big one, a pandemic or a big epidemic. it might speed up the coronavirus settles down with the same sort of pattern. what we don't know is how long that will take and how important it will be compared with influenza. professor from imperial college london, thank you very much indeed for helping us. a few minutes away from the pandemic. we're going to spend the next few minutes talking about belarus, which has sentenced a leading oppostion figure to 18 years injail. belarus — a former soviet state— has been in the news alot recently, it's accused of pushing thousands migrants towards its border with poland — which is in the eu — belarus, isn't. at the centre of that row is alexander lukashenko — he's been the belarussian president since 199a. and last year he faced huge protests following an election that kept him in power. which many most recent re—election to the position in 2020 was fiercly disputed by many of his own citizens. thousands marched on the streets of minsk — labelling the election fraudulent. repression of political opposition intensified after the result. but it wasnt a new phenomenon. the sentence was handed down in closed court. it's the latest move against those who disputed the re—election the sentence was handed down in closed court. this footage was broadcast by belarusian state media, showing mr tikhan—ovsky entering court. he's a blogger and a youtuber who was critical of the government one the 6th of may 2020, a colleague on his channel posted this video saying mr tikhan—ovsky had been detained by police in the city of mogil—yoff. a day later — we found out why. translation: i am sergei tikhanovsky, belarus - businessman and blogger and would like to announce that i will take part in the presidential campaign as a candidate. he'd been arrested after he announced he was running for president. so that meant he wasn't able to register in person as a presidential candidate. instead, his wife sviatlana tsikhanouskaya registered in his place. she's now one of the leading opposition figures. he was later released and for a short time, they were both on the campaign trail — and he kept pushing his message. translation: if the president | will be participating and the head of the electoral committee will be counting the votes, there will be falsifications and we shouldn't go to the polling stations. mr tikhanovsky was arrested again later that month — but this was shortlived. mr tikhanovsky was arrested again later that month — this time would not be released. and today the authorities say he's faced justice for organising riots, inciting social hatred and a number of other charges. human rights groups have called the proceeding a sham. and this accusation is not new. un special rapporteur anais marin said more than 35,000 people had been arbitrarily detained over the past year. others are in exile — like svetlana tikhanovskaya. she says she's hopful her husband sergei will will not serve those 18 years. and says the opposition has momentum. people in belarus continue their fight underground. we are mobilising people, we are building structures in the ground. people are joining into a working movement and our plan to victory. people who had to flee the country also create a lot of initiatives that aim to show the world what's going on in our wonderful country, how people are suffering because one person usurped the country with violence and to work every day to win small victories every day. she also paid tribute to her husbands strength — and it seems her husband hasn't given up. here's sergei tikhanovsky entering court again. notice the folder of documents he's carrying behind his back, while his hands are cuffed. eagle eyed observers have noted that the colour scheme for his documents matches that of the belarus's red and white flag — a pre independence nationalist symbol that was been adopted as a symbol of belarusian democracy at last yea r�*s protests. it's of course worth mentioning that mr tikhanovsky was not alone in the dock today. alina isachenka's bbc russian has been looking at the verdicts against of his fellow defendants. in this so—called case, there were six participants in total. most of them have received a jail sentence between 14—16 years, sergei tikhanovsky's jail sentence is in fact the biggest. and as his wife said earlier this morning, she's written, she made a video statement on her telegram channel, a year, 20 years, 100, this is unlawful anyways, and it doesn't matter. what matters is what i can do today to help my husband, and i'm going to continue helping a person who i love and who became a leader for millions of belarusians around the world. i shall also add that the lawyer of sergei tikhanovsky has already confirmed that he will file an appeal against his verdict to the court. however, given the failure of the judicial system in belarus, it is very unlikely that sentencing will change much. of course, the belarus we are seeing today is not what we saw in august 20 when thousands of people were marching the streets of minsk and other belarusian cities demanding for reelection and be and of the torture. ———demanding for reelection and the end of the torture. since then, the belarusian authorities have been very quick to and the protest movement. there were massive repressions going on. thousands of people have been arrested. we have hundreds of political prisoners currently behind bars. and of course, most of their position leaders had to flee the country. svetlana tikhanovsky was actually one of them. so there is no protest activity in belarus now whatsoever. the authorities are threatening everyone who even subscribes to so—called extremist position channels to go to jail. you can be jailed for posting a picture on social media with an opposition white and red flag and other symbols, so the protests, unfortunately, is seemingly happening outside of the country rather than inside. a reminder of our top story, after several hours of debate in the house of commons the government's proposes fat tackling the variant in england have been approved by mps, albeit with a significant rebellion by boris johnson's own with a significant rebellion by borisjohnson's own conservative and peace. now, we sigh up to around 100 of these tory mps voting against some of the biggest rebellion came in about introducing coveted passes for nightclubs and large events. that passed with 369 votes to 126. not all of that 126 conservative mps, but we think, well, we now have confirmation that 98 did vote against that, so by some distance, the biggest rebellion against boris johnson since he won the 2019 election. we also had a vote on making a compulsory front nine and social care staff be fully vaccinated from april 2020 till. that's past, 385 votes to 100. again, a significant amount of conservatives ignoring the request of the conservative whips, ignoring the request of the prime minister and voting against. a little more straightforward was making masks compulsory and most enduring settings except for pubs and restaurants. that passed 1a1 to a1. so some rebels but not on the same scale. so, all of those passes will now come into effect in england, but there is a broader political stripe apartjohnson's ability to keep his party in line. one we will be talking about an off a lot, i'm sure. thank you for watching. bye—bye. hello there. it's been a mild day again today thanks to south—westerly winds. some places were lucky enough to see a bit of sunshine. it's going to be in short supply over the next few days. through the rest of the week, there will be a lot of cloud around. it will stay mild. there will be some areas of mist and fog, and it should become dry. the rain that we are seeing at the moment will eventually push away. and the rain that we are seeing at the moment is mainly coming from this band of thicker cloud here that's been sat all the way across the atlantic and across northern parts of scotland. that is that wiggling waving weather front that will weaken as it runs southwards. down across western scotland to bring some patchy rain here, down into northern ireland later and into cumbria as well. now, ahead of that, there will be a few more breaks developing across other parts of northern england, perhaps north wales, the north midlands and across east anglia. so, here, it will turn a bit cooler. temperatures down to 5 celsius, maybe some mist and fog patches too. it's pretty mild, though, across more southern parts of england and wales. we've got this blanket of cloud. it's still rather grey and gloomy for these areas during tomorrow. once that mist and fog goes, we've still got some sunshine across north wales, parts of the midlands, east anglia east anglia and northern england. i think for lancashire and particular cumbria, a bit of patchy rain here, some patchy rain for northern ireland and developing across southern parts of scotland as it turns brighterfurther north across the country with some sunshine. and all areas will be mild again, temperatures typically 11—12 celsius. now, there's not much rain in the forecast for tomorrow, what there is of it is going to get swept northwards again with that with that weather front, as high pressure starts to build in from continental europe. we've still got a little rain to head up towards shetland. otherwise a lot of dry weather again on thursday. again, it looks quite cloudy. some areas of mist and fog too, the best of any sunshine probably for eastern scotland, northeast england, perhaps into lincolnshire as well. and we've still got those temperatures several degrees above average, really, for this time of the year. the wind is turning lighter, though, as that area of high—pressure starts to build and as we head towards the end of the week. that's going to stick around for quite some time. so this is the story, really, for friday. we may have a bit more sunshine across northern parts of scotland. we've got a lot of cloud around elsewhere, mind you, and again, some mist and fog, perhaps particularly over the hills as that low cloud continues to lower. temperatures not quite as high on friday. and over the weekend, we will probably find those temperatures just dropping away a little bit more. it is going to turn a little bit cooler over the weekend, but high—pressure is going to keep it fine and dry. you're watching bbc news. the headlines... you're watching bbc news. the headlines. . ._ you're watching bbc news. the headlines... , ., headlines... the ayes to the right, 369. the noes _ headlines... the ayes to the right, 369. the noes to _ headlines... the ayes to the right, 369. the noes to the _ headlines... the ayes to the right, 369. the noes to the left, - headlines... the ayes to the right, 369. the noes to the left, 126. - headlines... the ayes to the right, l 369. the noes to the left, 126. mps vote through _ 369. the noes to the left, 126. mps vote through the _ 369. the noes to the left, 126. mps vote through the government plans with measures to tackle the omicron variant in england but there is a sting in the tail for the prime minister, 98 conservative mps rebelled, the largest act of defiance since he became prime minister two years ago. long queues forjabs as the top adviser warns advisers to race for a significant increase in the number of hospitalisations. nicola sturgeon tightens restrictions and so she does not want people to cancel christmas but calls for no more than three households to mix. this is to try to curb the spread.