“Her Majesty said that our country owed her husband ‘a greater debt than he would ever claim or we shall ever know’ and I am sure that estimate is correct.”
The former Cabinet Minister and ’22 Executive Vice-Chairman leaves a majority of 16,223 in Chesham & Amersham.
He tells the Spring Forum the party needs to get ready for the elections in May, but before that he is looking forward to a pint and a haircut.
That’s five times as many as the seven who took the same course last October, but fewer than the 53 who revolted over tiering.
The Government won the division during yesterday’s consideration of the Trade Bill by 18 votes.
“Our international goals rest upon keeping our people safe at home and deterring those who would do us harm.”
His three part plan: protecting jobs and livelihoods. Securing the public finances. And laying foundations for the future.
Yesterday’s backbench reaction to his Commons statement suggests that most Tory MPs will back his proposals.
“Thanks to the vaccinations that there is light ahead leading us to a spring and summer which I think will be seasons of hope.”
The 60-page Government document setting out the five steps it proposes to take to take England out of lockdown.
Plus four reviews: on masks and distancing; international travel; certification. and “the safe return of major events”.
This rebellion had little in common with most others, but the names of many who oppose the Government now show a certain predictability.
Baker writes that Johnson could face a leadership challenge; tweets later that “Boris is the only person to lead us out of these difficulties.”
“If necessary even tighter restrictions in conjunction with more long-term clarity for businesses would benefit the NHS and the economy”.
The tellers for the Noes were Christopher Chope and Chris Green. The last major Tory rebellion against Government Covid policy was 53 strong.