During Wednesday’s PMQs, Johnson was questioned over lockdown rules over pubs closing at eight. In addition, many tory MPs have questioned the rule of six.
Keir Starmer, the labour leader, questioned the PM about the scientific basis that he has over pubs closing at ten. He also questioned him over the cases that were left out of official spreadsheets, due to a technical issue in which the Excel spreadsheet used reached maximum file size and more cases in areas under local lockdown.
Johnson responded to this by questioning the Labour party’s support for the government, and failed to give an answer to many questions asked.
In the Tory party itself there has been opposition to the rule of six. While the government won a vote recently, 14 MPs from the party rebelled, with MP Huw Merriman claiming that the rule would “do more harm than good.” due to his belief that it will cause people to meet in bigger groups despite the rule. This comes from the lack of scientific basis behind the rule, and the worries over personal freedom that restrictions pose, and the mental health and societal impacts that they possess.
Overall, it seems clear that the Conservative party is unable to resolve the issues with their own legislation, suggesting a lack of clarity and comprehension from within the party about the next stages in tackling coronavirus.
Written by Anna Male
Artwork by Zara Masood
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