Tory backbench rebellion brewing

Boris Johnson is facing a Tory Commons rebellion this week over the delay to England’s 21 June lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

Representatives of the hospitality industry, which is already battered by ongoing limits to mixing inside pubs and restaurants, have also protested against the delay.

The new date is expected to be put to the House of Commons tomorrow and a number of Tory MPS are likely to vote against the measure, which could leave Mr Johnson relying on Labour support for the plans.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said yesterday his party would support the delay.

Sir Charles Walker, vice chairman of the 1922 Committee of Conservative MPS told Radio 4's World At One programme: “I just have an overwhelming sense of pessimism now.

“If you can't lift restrictions at the height of summer, and we are in the height of summer, then you almost certainly are looking at these restrictions persisting and tightening into the autumn and winter.

“I don't think the July 19 date will be met. If it is, it will be met for weeks before we enter further lockdowns. Eventually, if you say you are going to live with Covid-19, ultimately at times you are going to have to tough it out.”

Backbench Conservative MP Peter Bone said he “can't see the evidence why we should be postponing our freedom”. He said a delay to the lifting of restrictions should not happen “without really good reason”.