With the rapid growth in Omicron cases in the UK, Members of Parliament were asked to vote yesterday on ‘Plan B’ measures to help us slow the spread of COVID, and buy time in order to deliver boosters, which will provide the best protection against this variant. Given there has been strong views regarding the vote on both sides, I want to explain why I chose to vote for Plan B.
There were three premises to the Plan B implementation: The intensity of the transmissibility of the Omicron variant, the currently unknown severity of Omicron, and the likelihood that immunity from vaccination, when compared to past variants, is lower.
The Plan B measures included several key requirements. Firstly, a reintroduction of guidance to work from home where possible, secondly, a legal requirement to wear a face-covering in most public indoor venues (excluding people who are exempt) and, thirdly, the introduction of a COVID Pass for entry into nightclubs, and venues where large crowds gather including unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people and any venue with more than 10,000 people.
I am aware that the latter of these i.e. the ‘COVID pass’ has caused concern due to fears this is the same as a ‘vaccine passport’ but this is not the case.
Before voting, I was reassured by Ministers that the ‘COVID Pass’ is not a vaccine passport and provides a choice for people to confirm if they have had a negative lateral flow test OR a double vaccination. I feel confident this provides choice for individuals whilst also ensuring venues can remain open. On balance, I agreed that the principle of asking an individual to be cautious by taking a test if unvaccinated is a fair and balanced approach given the risks the country faces.
It was clear from the evidence I have seen that to do nothing was not an option. The data has shown exponential growth which could lead to a large rise in hospitalisations, and therefore sadly in deaths.
I fully appreciate some individuals are opposed to these measures but the current indication is that we are already seeing increased hospital admissions, so there is a very real risk to people across the country. Ultimately, the whole focus of these measures is to prevent the overwhelming of the NHS when the new variant starts to spread dramatically.
Given the high number of hospitality venues in Watford, I want to ensure they can stay open, to protect jobs after an already difficult time during the pandemic. If showing a COVID pass can enable them to continue operating safely, then I felt this was a fair balance to strike to help save livelihoods and provide confidence to individuals wanting to use the venues.
I appreciate that concerns have been raised about the rigour and volume of the evidence that had been published before the vote. I questioned the data prior to voting and have to say that I was struck by the severity of the warnings of the rate that cases were rising at, and the risk of a much higher peak than ever before in hospitals should the predictions come to pass. It would have been irresponsible of me to ignore this advice.
I want to be clear that I do not take voting to restrict freedoms lightly. However, on balance, I felt that voting for these measures now would be a more tolerable option than harsher alternatives (which are already in place in other countries) and that early action should hopefully make a difference.
I want to also clarify that these regulations will be reviewed on the 5th January 2022, at which point the Government will provide an update to Parliament. I hope we can end all restrictions at the earliest possible point in time which is safe. Ultimately, my decision was informed by wanting to reduce the risk to constituents across Watford and the country, and those working across the NHS, by helping control the spread of this new variant.
I do also believe it is crucial that we all take up the offer of vaccination, and booster shots, and that we encourage our friends and family to do the same.
Finally, as a Member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, I would like to add that I will be interviewing Professor Chris Whitty with colleagues tomorrow for a special session of the Committee to explore the latest COVID evidence and data. You can watch this on www.parliamentlive.tv from 10.30 am Thursday 16th December.
Keep up to date by subscribing to Dean Russell's newsletter for weekly Watford and Parliamentary updates: https://www.deanrussell.co.uk/newsletter
