What time is Tier vote? Here's what happens when MPs vote on stricter Covid Tier system

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has acknowledged that “lots of people think that they are in the wrong tier” but insisted the measures set to come into force are needed to slow the spread of Covid-19.

The new stricter tier system is set to be brought in on Wednesday, December 2, with all but three areas of England being placed in the high or very high alert categories.

The North East will be put into Tier 3 and will face the tightest restrictions which include the continued closure of restaurants and bars and a ban on households mixing in all indoor and most outdoor settings.

So when will the vote take place?

The vote will take place later today (Tuesday, December 1), in the House of Commons with the session due to begin at 11.30am.

Predictions suggest the vote will likely happen in the early afternoon although an exact time has not been confirmed.

Could MPs block the new restrictions coming into force?

On Monday, November 30, Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned Conservative MPs threatening to rebel against new coronavirus restrictions that backing them is key in avoiding a third national lockdown.

Around 100 Tories are said to be unhappy with the tier approached to England.

Even if rebel Conservative MPs chose to vote against the tiered system, the new restrictions are likely to pass as Labour is expected to vote in favour of the stricter rules.

A second chance to vote on the restrictions has been offered for early next year which would mean measures would lapse on February 3.

What is the Government warning MPs?

In its impact assessment, the Government has acknowledged the new controls will have a “significant” impact on the economy but said that allowing the disease to run unchecked would be “much worse” for public health.

A failure to maintain strong controls would lead to the NHS being overwhelmed and result in an “intolerable” loss of life, the analysis published ahead of a crunch Commons vote added.

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