Teddington: How your MP voted on masks and vaccine passports
By Ellie Brown - Local Democracy Reporter
16th Dec 2021 | Local News
MPs have voted in favour of reintroducing some Covid restrictions as part of the prime minister's back-up plan to limit the spread of Omicron, despite a large Tory rebellion.
The 'Plan B' measures include the return of mandatory face coverings to most indoor venues, the introduction of Covid passes to large venues and compulsory vaccinations for NHS workers.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham, Munira Wilson, voted with the majority of her party following the House of Commons debate last night (14 December).
Wilson voted in favour of the return of mandatory face coverings but against Covid passes and compulsory vaccinations for health workers.
In a thread on Twitter at around 9.30pm, Wilson explained her decisions.
She wrote: "This afternoon I sat and listened to much of the debate on Plan B. It's very clear we need to act, given the rapid spread of Omicron. Most importantly, getting as many people as possible boosted as quickly as possible is key.
"I strongly support the wearing of face coverings as widely as possible in public indoor spaces and frankly the mandate on public transport & essential shops should never have been dropped in the first place. I voted in FAVOUR of face coverings this evening.
"You can be vaccinated and still transmit Covid. Vaccine passports provide a false sense of security & have proved ineffective in Scotland. Testing is much safer. Today's legislation was flawed as it offered an either/or option: not good public health + illiberal.
"I don't agree with mandatory vaccination of NHS staff. It will only make the chronic staff shortage far worse. All the evidence shows coercion has the opposite effect on those hesitant about taking up the vaccine. Persuasion and engagement 1:1 is key."
Though there was a large rebellion from Tory backbenchers, the vote on all three measures went in Prime Minister Boris Johnson's favour.
Covid passes will be checked from 6am today (Wednesday, 15 December).
You can get a pass if you have received two doses of an approved vaccine, or one of the single-dose Janssen vaccine, you have had a negative PCR or rapid lateral flow test within the last 48 hours or you have a medical exemption.
Digital Covid passes can be obtained through the NHS app on a smartphone or tablet or via the NHS Covid Pass website, where it can be downloaded and printed.
If you cannot apply digitally, you can get an NHS Covid Pass letter sent to you by post.
Mandatory vaccinations for NHS staff will come into force from April 1 next year.
In England, face coverings are now required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport, including taxis.
Masks are not required in hospitality venues where food and drink are consumed or during exercise, including dancing.
Face coverings are not compulsory for anyone who is exempt, which includes all children under 11.
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