“I do want to be honest about what I mean by sustainable public finances”. Sunak’s statement. Full text.
His three part plan: protecting jobs and livelihoods. Securing the public finances. And laying foundations for the future.
Thirteen Conservative MPs pressed for a faster easing of restrictions during Johnson’s statement yesterday – and 35 did not
Yesterday’s backbench reaction to his Commons statement suggests that most Tory MPs will back his proposals.
“A one way road to freedom.” The Prime Minister’s press conference statement. Full text.
“Thanks to the vaccinations that there is light ahead leading us to a spring and summer which I think will be seasons of hope.”
Link to the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown
The 60-page Government document setting out the five steps it proposes to take to take England out of lockdown.
“Cautious but irreversible.” Johnson’s gradual five-stage-separated, five stage journey out of lockdown. His statement – full text.
Plus four reviews: on masks and distancing; international travel; certification. and “the safe return of major events”.
The 33 Conservative MPs who rebelled over the Genocide Amendment
This rebellion had little in common with most others, but the names of many who oppose the Government now show a certain predictability.
Discuss
Baker writes that Johnson could face a leadership challenge; tweets later that “Boris is the only person to lead us out of these difficulties.”
Jamie Njoku-Goodwin’s Twitter thread on the importance for business of a re-opening date
“If necessary even tighter restrictions in conjunction with more long-term clarity for businesses would benefit the NHS and the economy”.
The twelve Conservative MPs who voted against the third lockdown
The tellers for the Noes were Christopher Chope and Chris Green. The last major Tory rebellion against Government Covid policy was 53 strong.
A timetable for vaccinating the most vulnerable by mid-February. The Prime Minister’s statement – full text.
But vaccination doesn’t give instant protection; pressure on the NHS won’t lift immediately – and delivery may run late. So restrictions will take longer to lift.
Geoffrey Cox is knighted
This is a less politically significant list than the recent one, but it recognises an important Parliamentary figure in the campaign for Brexit.
The Bill to enact Johnson’s trade deal passes by 521 votes to 73
The Bill continues its whirlwind progress through Parliament towards Royal Assent later today.
Link to the full text of the UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement
And also to: summary explainers, declarations, a nuclear cooperation agreement, and security procedures for classified information.
It’s two day’s debate only for the Brexit Trade Bill as the Speaker urges MPs to stay away from Westminster.
That’s two days for Commons, Lords and Royal Assent. Virtual participation is being encouraged. Seventy-five per cent of MPs have a proxy vote.
ConservativeHome columnist Hannan to become a peer
Congratulations to him, and also to two other regular contributors – Syed Kamall, another former Tory MEP, and Dean Godson of Policy Exchange.