MPs approve the introduction of Covid passes from Wednesday

MPs have approved the introduction of Covid passes in England to allow access to nightclubs and other sizeable venues, as well as extending regulations for the wearing of face masks.

The introduction of the contentious Covid pass was approved by 369 votes to 126, despite a rebellion by back-bench Conservative MPs.

During the debate that proceeded the vote Conservative MP Richard Drax asked his fellow members: "Do we want to see the hospitality and retail sector collapse because we're instilling the fear of god into their customers?"

A resounding ‘no' followed, before he added: "[it's] time to put fear to one side, put our shoulders back and get on with our lives."

Labour MPs supported the government's ‘Plan B' restrictions, with shadow public health minister Andrew Gwynne telling the Commons his party would not "play politics with people's lives".

He went on to accuse the prime minister of causing "irreparable damage to public trust", following allegations of parties in Downing Street last Christmas.

Covid passes, showing full vaccination or a recent negative test will be needed for entry to nightclubs and large venues from Wednesday.

Face masks will be compulsory in most indoor settings from the same date, although not in pubs and restaurants.

MPs also voted unanimously to change regulations so that vaccinated people who come into contact with someone with the Omicron variant will not have to self-isolate, but will instead be advised to take lateral flow tests for the following week.