This week Parliament voted to introduce proportionate, time-limited measures in response to the Omicron variant. Here James sets out how he voted and why.
When the Omicron variant was first identified I wrote about the uncertainty surrounding it. We now know that it is very infectious with rates doubling every two days – compared to seven for the Delta variant. We also know that having two jabs provides lower levels of protection against infection from Omicron compared to Delta but that a booster jab provides around 70 per cent protection against symptoms.
That is why the Prime Minister announced on Sunday night the ambition to offer every eligible adult their booster before the New Year – rather than the end of January as was planned.
Along with stepping up the booster programme, MPs were asked support Plan B measures requiring legislation: a requirement to wear a face covering in most indoor settings, to show a recent negative test result or being double vaccinated to attend nightclubs or large-scale events; to end the self-isolation requirement for contacts of individuals with Omicron; and to require NHS staff to be vaccinated.
These measures have been passed I hope it is helpful to explain how I considered these issues and reached my view.
On face coverings, I find them a nuisance to wear, not least because I wear glasses, but I considered the expansion of the places they are required to be a small inconvenience in the scheme of things and a courtesy to others. Pubs, restaurants, and other hospitality settings have been specifically excluded.
Many people have raised concerns about what have dubbed “Vaccine Passports”. When Plan B was originally set out in September it did propose making mandatory vaccine-only certification a condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather. That would have been a vaccine passport.
As I said to constituents at the time, I shared the strong concerns about this proposal. I pressed ministers to allow a negative lateral flow test result as an alternative. I take such tests regularly ahead of coming into Parliament, visiting schools, or for other constituency events. That’s the responsible and simple thing to do to reduce the risk of transmission. I welcome that the government listened to those concerns.
Under the revised proposal, anyone can therefore simply show a negative test result to access the limited settings it applies to (if they do not want to show their double vaccinated status). In my judgement given the current circumstances and uncertainty it is a reasonable step. Indeed, it is less restrictive than the requirement at some major events such as a recent football match I attended where only vaccination status was accepted for entry. This measure is not a Vaccine Passport.
In considering how to vote I looked at the emerging data on how quickly the variant is spreading as well as that in South Africa and other countries where the variant is present. Like many I was very frustrated at being asked to consider imposing restrictions after the move to Step four back in July. I listened to constituents’ views, spoke to the Health Secretary, met with the Chief Medical Officer, and others.
As a MP I had to decide whether it better to support reasonable, time-limited measures in the face of this rapidly spreading new variant, or to do nothing and see how events pan out. Some believe it was better to wait and see. However, my judgement given the uncertainty and balance of risks was to back proportionate measures which expire on the 26 January. It is also important to recognise that even with Plan B we will have far fewer restrictions than most of Europe.
I understand that people will take a different view and the strength of feeling on some of the measures. I know how frustrating restrictions and appreciate the damaging impact of the variant on confidence is having on hospitality businesses.
Since the vote, the highest number of daily cases – 78, 610 – was reported on Wednesday. I very much hope that the impact of Omicron in terms of severe illness, hospitalisations, and deaths is small and these rules fall away but we do not know that yet.
For now, the best thing we can all do is get the extra protection the Booster jab offers – and encourage those who have not yet been jabbed at all to get their jabs..
