Evening summary
Here is a quick recap of some of the main developments from today (you haven’t missed much):
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An intense and chaotic session of PMQs was often overshadowed by doubts over the prime minister’s future, encapsulated by the Tory grandee David Davis calling on Boris Johnson to resign: “In the name of God, go,” he said. Davis told the Guardian that the interview given by the prime minister to Sky News on Tuesday was “not what I expect from a leader”. “Up until now I had been supporting him … but it’s not leadership,” he said. “Yesterday’s interview was an attempt to escape responsibility, not to shoulder it. And that is a test of leadership.” Earlier in the session, the Labour leader Keir Starmer had lambasted Johnson for what he called “absurd and frankly unbelievable” explanations over Downing Street parties. Story here.
- Minutes before PMQs, the Bury South MP Christian Wakeford defected to Labour, blaming Johnson’s “disgraceful” conduct. The move piled furhter pressure on the PM as growing numbers within his party want him to go. Wakeford – elected in 2019 – crossed the floor to sit with Keir Starmer’s party moments before the session, declaring in a letter to Johnson resigning the Conservative whip that he was “incapable of offering the leadership and government this country deserves”. Story here.
- Plan B restrictions are to be scrapped in England from 26 January, along with compulsory self-isolation for people with Covid from 24 March, Boris Johnson announced. Mandatory mask-wearing on public transport and in shops, guidance to work from home and vaccine certificates will all come to an end from next week. While the announcement pleased a number of Johnson’s backbenchers, it has prompted concern from teaching and health unions, and from NHS and public health representatives. Keir Starmer responded saying he would back the change as long as it was supported by evidence, saying Johnson must “reassure the public he is acting to protect their health, not just his job”. Story here.
Q What is your response to people who feel the government has lost all credibility leading the country through the pandemic?
Javid says it’s right that the PM has accepted there were mistakes and asked for a proper investigation to establish the facts and then come back to parliament.
Q Will you be publishing an impact assessment of the lifting of restrictions e.g. on the NHS?
Javid says evidence has been shared throughout the pandemic and the government will continue to be as transparent as it can be.
Q When will the government be updating the definition of “fully vaccinated” to two jabs and a booster?
Javid says it is now known that two vaccines are not enough against Omicron but three can give 88% protection against hospitalisation, so it’s right to keep updating the definition of “fully vaccinated”.
Please get vaccinated if you’re eligible, he says to end.
