Aimee Walker
Downing Street has issued a warning that ministers are prepared to take the nation into another lockdown if they have to this winter.
Number 10 said all emergency measures are under review in case drastic action is needed to stop cases and hospitalisations from spiralling.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson, Max Blain, said Boris Johnson does hold the power to shut the country down again if the virus gets out of control.
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He said: “With regards to what comes next we need to carefully monitor the situation.
“As a responsible government, we retain the ability to take further steps if necessary but it is thanks to significant defences of the vaccination programme that we are able to be one of the most open societies in Europe.
“And we will continue to push forward with vaccination programmes and that remains the case.”
Booster vaccines for the vulnerable are expected in the coming months and a decision on vaccinating teenagers is expected within weeks.
It’s the first day back for the House of Commons after the summer recess, but already the PM has sparked anger amongst his Torie backbenchers.
Johnson will keep the legal framework that underpins the implication of restrictions in place in case he needs to use them over the coming months.
The legislation in question gives authorities and police sweeping powers to restrict public gatherings, close premises, and force people to self-isolate.
On the other hand, it also protects renters from forced eviction of their homes and guarantees sick pay for people in quarantine.
Conservative MP Marcus Fysh called on ministers to ‘stand up for freedom, for choice, for opportunity’ and slammed plans to extend the legislation.
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