skynewspolitics--2020-11-30--PM set to publish impact assessment of COVID restrictions in bid to win over MPs

Boris Johnson is due to publish an impact assessment of coronavirus restrictions as he continues to try to convince Tory MPs to back his plan for a new tier system in England when the national lockdown ends on Wednesday .
The prime minister is expected to share analysis of the health , economic and social ramifications of the measures taken to suppress COVID-19 ahead of a crunch Commons vote on Tuesday .
According to a tally by Sky News , more than 60 Tory MPs have voiced their unhappiness over tiering or have threatened to rebel over the new measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Saturday evening , Mr Johnson wrote a letter to potential Tory rebels offering several olive branches to secure their support for the system .
But despite offering them another chance to vote on the restrictions early next year - meaning the measures could lapse on 3 February - several said they still have reservations .
Conservative MP Peter Bone said he was `` undecided '' and would make his mind up after seeing the impact assessment , saying : `` The dilemma I have is do we do more damage by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do less . ''
Another senior Tory backbencher said that his vote was `` still in the balance '' as he urged Mr Johnson to provide analysis of how the tier restrictions will affect businesses , saying he did not have confidence that the government was really considering their needs .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , who is expected to hold talks with England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty later , has not yet said whether the party will support the tier system .
If the party votes against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a major rebellion from his own MPs - the government could lose the vote .
However , the prime minister 's argument for stringent restrictions will be boosted by new figures from an Imperial College London study suggesting coronavirus infections fell by almost a third in England during the second national lockdown .
Professor Paul Elliott , director of the React study at Imperial , has said the findings suggested the tiers before the beginning of November , followed by the lockdown , had helped bring cases down .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ridge on Sunday show , said the new tiered restrictions were necessary to `` bear down '' on COVID-19 .
`` The reality is that we want to come out of national lockdown and stay out of it , '' he said .
`` We are starting with a more restrictive approach than previously with the localised approach , but that allows us to ease up when we are confident the virus is going down and stabilised - there 's a review every two weeks . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker Under the new proposed restrictions only the Isle of Wight , Cornwall , and the Isles of Scilly will be under the lightest Tier 1 controls , while large swathes of the Midlands , North East and North West are in the most restrictive Tier 3 .
In total , 99 % of England will enter Tier 2 or 3 , with tight restrictions on bars and restaurants and a ban on households mixing indoors .
Another 215 coronavirus deaths in the UK were announced on Sunday , taking @ @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson is due to publish an impact assessment of coronavirus restrictions as he continues to try to convince Tory MPs to back his plan for a new tier system in England when the national lockdown ends on Wednesday.
The prime minister is expected to share analysis of the health, economic and social ramifications of the measures taken to suppress COVID-19 ahead of a crunch Commons vote on Tuesday.
According to a tally by Sky News, more than 60 Tory MPs have voiced their unhappiness over tiering or have threatened to rebel over the new measures when it comes to the vote.
On Saturday evening, Mr Johnson wrote a letter to potential Tory rebels offering several olive branches to secure their support for the system.
But despite offering them another chance to vote on the restrictions early next year - meaning the measures could lapse on 3 February - several said they still have reservations.
Conservative MP Peter Bone said he was "undecided" and would make his mind up after seeing the impact assessment, saying: "The dilemma I have is do we do more damage by the tiered system of lockdown, or do we do less."
Another senior Tory backbencher said that his vote was "still in the balance" as he urged Mr Johnson to provide analysis of how the tier restrictions will affect businesses, saying he did not have confidence that the government was really considering their needs.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is expected to hold talks with England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty later, has not yet said whether the party will support the tier system.
If the party votes against it - and if Mr Johnson suffers a major rebellion from his own MPs - the government could lose the vote.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 PM: Normality is coming, but not until Spring
However, the prime minister's argument for stringent restrictions will be boosted by new figures from an Imperial College London study suggesting coronavirus infections fell by almost a third in England during the second national lockdown.
Professor Paul Elliott, director of the React study at Imperial, has said the findings suggested the tiers before the beginning of November, followed by the lockdown, had helped bring cases down.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, appearing on Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday show, said the new tiered restrictions were necessary to "bear down" on COVID-19.
"The reality is that we want to come out of national lockdown and stay out of it," he said.
"We are starting with a more restrictive approach than previously with the localised approach, but that allows us to ease up when we are confident the virus is going down and stabilised - there's a review every two weeks."
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Under the new proposed restrictions only the Isle of Wight, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly will be under the lightest Tier 1 controls, while large swathes of the Midlands, North East and North West are in the most restrictive Tier 3.
In total, 99% of England will enter Tier 2 or 3, with tight restrictions on bars and restaurants and a ban on households mixing indoors.
Another 215 coronavirus deaths in the UK were announced on Sunday, taking the total to 58,245.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-30--Sturgeon leaves open a push for indyref2 vote next year

Nicola Sturgeon has kept open the possibility she will launch her push for Scottish independence in a referendum next year .
The first minister said she was not ruling the possibility out , but warned `` we do n't know '' yet when the pandemic will end so while coronavirus grips the world her `` energies are focused on that '' .
She has only revealed she wants the vote to be in the early part of the next Scottish parliamentary term , following elections to Holyrood in spring 2021 .
If the Scottish National Party win a majority , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mandate to demand Boris Johnson grant MSPs the power to call a referendum .
But the prime minister has said he will refuse to do so , leading to unanswered questions about what the SNP would do next .
That is a subject that divides hardliners who want a Catalonia-style illegal referendum and those prepared to play the long game who think the refusal to allow a vote will only fuel support for independence .
Scots voted by 55 % to 45 % for the country to remain part of the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she wants the next referendum to be , Ms Sturgeon said on Monday : `` We are still , like other countries the world over , in a global pandemic .
There 's lots of uncertainties ahead of us right now .
`` We do n't know - I think we 're all a lot more hopeful the end of the pandemic is in sight - but we do n't know yet exactly when that will be so my energies are focused on that . ''
Pressed to name her preference for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I want to see it in the early part of the next term of the Scottish parliament rather than the later part .
`` I 'm not ruling anything out , I 'm not ruling anything in , '' she said .
`` I 'm clear that I think for all the reasons I 've set out , the sooner Scotland can have the powers of independence so we chart our own future , the better it will be for all of us . ''
But Douglas Ross , leader of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Holyrood - said 2021 should be about `` improving schools and hospitals '' instead .
`` They wo n't get a look in if Nicola Sturgeon gets her way and demands indyref2 next year , '' he tweeted .
`` The SNP 's obsession is crippling our country . ''

Nicola Sturgeon has kept open the possibility she will launch her push for Scottish independence in a referendum next year.
The first minister said she was not ruling the possibility out, but warned "we don't know" yet when the pandemic will end so while coronavirus grips the world her "energies are focused on that".
She has only revealed she wants the vote to be in the early part of the next Scottish parliamentary term, following elections to Holyrood in spring 2021.
Image: There is a split in the SNP about how quickly to proceed with another referendum
If the Scottish National Party win a majority, senior figures claim it will give them the mandate to demand Boris Johnson grant MSPs the power to call a referendum.
But the prime minister has said he will refuse to do so, leading to unanswered questions about what the SNP would do next.
That is a subject that divides hardliners who want a Catalonia-style illegal referendum and those prepared to play the long game who think the refusal to allow a vote will only fuel support for independence.
Scots voted by 55% to 45% for the country to remain part of the UK in 2014.
Asked by Sky News when she wants the next referendum to be, Ms Sturgeon said on Monday: "We are still, like other countries the world over, in a global pandemic. There's lots of uncertainties ahead of us right now.
"We don't know - I think we're all a lot more hopeful the end of the pandemic is in sight - but we don't know yet exactly when that will be so my energies are focused on that."
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Image: Boris Johnson is resisting granting another vote
Pressed to name her preference for a date, Ms Sturgeon said: "I want to see it in the early part of the next term of the Scottish parliament rather than the later part.
"I'm not ruling anything out, I'm not ruling anything in," she said. "I'm clear that I think for all the reasons I've set out, the sooner Scotland can have the powers of independence so we chart our own future, the better it will be for all of us."
But Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Tories - the second biggest party in Holyrood - said 2021 should be about "improving schools and hospitals" instead.
"They won't get a look in if Nicola Sturgeon gets her way and demands indyref2 next year," he tweeted. "The SNP's obsession is crippling our country."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-30--Virus 'back under control' but we must stay vigilant, Hancock warns

The health secretary has said that England 's lockdown means `` we 've got this virus back under control '' - but warned continued vigilance is needed in the fight against COVID-19 .
Speaking at a Downing Street news conference , Matt Hancock acknowledged that the second national shutdown has been tough .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world But he stressed that the stricter COVID-19 measures have been working , with cases dropping by 30 % in England last week .
And although the lockdown is due to end on Wednesday , he warned : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ca n't risk letting cases rise again , especially into Christmas and with the flu season around the corner . ''
The health secretary stressed the need for a return to the tiered system seen before the second lockdown , saying that `` while we can let up a little , we ca n't afford to let up a lot '' .
He said that around one in three people have no symptoms of the virus but can still infect others , adding : `` That is why even as we ease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep some restrictions in place . ''
Mr Hancock added : `` The success of our collective efforts means that from Wednesday everyone in England , even those in Tier 3 , can have some greater freedoms but we do n't have much headroom . ''
With positive news on vaccines raising hopes of a return to some form of normality in the months to come , the health secretary urged people to maintain their resolve in the fight against coronavirus .
`` The light of dawn is on the horizon , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment to stand firm until the morning so we can look back and see clearly that everything we gave and everything we did , it was not for nothing but so we could save lives and build back better for everyone . ''
Speaking earlier , Boris Johnson again defended the toughened tiers system which is due to come into effect when the lockdown ends , amid the prospect of dozens of Conservative MPs voting against the measures on Tuesday .
`` We ca n't afford to take our foot off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our foot off the gas , we ca n't afford to let it out of control again , '' the prime minister said .
`` The tiering system is tough , but it 's designed to be tough and to keep it under control .
`` I know that lots of people think that they are in the wrong tier and I understand people 's frustration . ''
Mr Hancock appealed to Tory MPs to back the tiered system , claiming it is the `` best way '' to avoid a third national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs right across the House to vote for the tiered system , '' the health secretary said .
`` The tiered system has a lower set of restrictions than the national lockdown in all three tiers .
`` Unfortunately though , we do have to have the higher tier restrictions , and in particular Tier 3 restrictions , in place so that we can have confidence that we can keep getting this virus down , and then keep it under control right across the country .
`` And that way , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
And it is the most proportionate way to take the action that we need to keep people safe , and to stop the NHS being overwhelmed . ''
The government has published its impact assessment of the tiered approach in a bid to win round potential rebel MPs .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson has said that mass testing and the rollout of any approved coronavirus vaccines will offer areas a way out of the harshest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widespread testing for the virus `` in ever greater numbers '' would - along with vaccines - allow the UK to `` push the virus down and to open up the economy to allow areas to come down in the tiers that they are in , steadily making progress that way '' .
But speaking to Sky News earlier , Environment Secretary George Eustice said it was `` too early to say '' if another national lockdown will be needed after Christmas .
The government has promised that the rapid COVID-19 testing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results in around 20 minutes without requiring a laboratory - will be replicated in all Tier 3 areas once lockdown ends .
The Department of Health and Social Care has said that councils in Tier 3 areas will be able to apply for a six-week programme of testing in the community in a bid to drive down the prevalence of the virus .
The government has promised to work with local authorities on initiatives to encourage people to get tested and detect as many cases as possible .
And Mr Hancock told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding for councils to carry out testing `` up to a figure of £14 per test done '' .
But the head of operations for the testing programme has admitted that mass community testing may not be possible `` all at once '' for Tier 3 areas .
General Sir Gordon Messenger said he did not yet know how many of the 23 million people who will be in the highest category will be able to access the regime , as `` planning is still very much under way '' .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , adding this will be into `` January and beyond '' .

The health secretary has said that England's lockdown means "we've got this virus back under control" - but warned continued vigilance is needed in the fight against COVID-19.
Speaking at a Downing Street news conference, Matt Hancock acknowledged that the second national shutdown has been tough.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 Johnson: Vaccines 'could' be ready before Xmas
But he stressed that the stricter COVID-19 measures have been working, with cases dropping by 30% in England last week.
And although the lockdown is due to end on Wednesday, he warned: "We don't have much headroom. We can't risk letting cases rise again, especially into Christmas and with the flu season around the corner."
The health secretary stressed the need for a return to the tiered system seen before the second lockdown, saying that "while we can let up a little, we can't afford to let up a lot".
He said that around one in three people have no symptoms of the virus but can still infect others, adding: "That is why even as we ease these national restrictions we've got to keep some restrictions in place."
Mr Hancock added: "The success of our collective efforts means that from Wednesday everyone in England, even those in Tier 3, can have some greater freedoms but we don't have much headroom."
With positive news on vaccines raising hopes of a return to some form of normality in the months to come, the health secretary urged people to maintain their resolve in the fight against coronavirus.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Minister 'can't rule out' third lockdown
"The light of dawn is on the horizon," Mr Hancock said.
"It's the moment to stand firm until the morning so we can look back and see clearly that everything we gave and everything we did, it was not for nothing but so we could save lives and build back better for everyone."
Speaking earlier, Boris Johnson again defended the toughened tiers system which is due to come into effect when the lockdown ends, amid the prospect of dozens of Conservative MPs voting against the measures on Tuesday.
"We can't afford to take our foot off the throat of the beast, to take our foot off the gas, we can't afford to let it out of control again," the prime minister said.
"The tiering system is tough, but it's designed to be tough and to keep it under control.
"I know that lots of people think that they are in the wrong tier and I understand people's frustration."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 COVID-19: PM fights Tory backlash over tiers
Mr Hancock appealed to Tory MPs to back the tiered system, claiming it is the "best way" to avoid a third national lockdown.
"I would urge all MPs right across the House to vote for the tiered system," the health secretary said.
"The tiered system has a lower set of restrictions than the national lockdown in all three tiers.
"Unfortunately though, we do have to have the higher tier restrictions, and in particular Tier 3 restrictions, in place so that we can have confidence that we can keep getting this virus down, and then keep it under control right across the country.
"And that way, it is the best way to avoid a third lockdown. And it is the most proportionate way to take the action that we need to keep people safe, and to stop the NHS being overwhelmed."
The government has published its impact assessment of the tiered approach in a bid to win round potential rebel MPs.
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Johnson has said that mass testing and the rollout of any approved coronavirus vaccines will offer areas a way out of the harshest measures.
The PM said rolling out widespread testing for the virus "in ever greater numbers" would - along with vaccines - allow the UK to "push the virus down and to open up the economy to allow areas to come down in the tiers that they are in, steadily making progress that way".
But speaking to Sky News earlier, Environment Secretary George Eustice said it was "too early to say" if another national lockdown will be needed after Christmas.
The government has promised that the rapid COVID-19 testing that was seen in Liverpool - which gave results in around 20 minutes without requiring a laboratory - will be replicated in all Tier 3 areas once lockdown ends.
The Department of Health and Social Care has said that councils in Tier 3 areas will be able to apply for a six-week programme of testing in the community in a bid to drive down the prevalence of the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 Salon owner: 'We are living day-by-day'
The government has promised to work with local authorities on initiatives to encourage people to get tested and detect as many cases as possible.
And Mr Hancock told the news conference that there would be extra funding for councils to carry out testing "up to a figure of £14 per test done".
But the head of operations for the testing programme has admitted that mass community testing may not be possible "all at once" for Tier 3 areas.
General Sir Gordon Messenger said he did not yet know how many of the 23 million people who will be in the highest category will be able to access the regime, as "planning is still very much under way".
He said that capabilities will "sequence over time", adding this will be into "January and beyond".


skynewspolitics--2020-11-30--Labour set to abstain in key COVID-19 lockdown vote

Labour MPs will abstain from a key lockdown vote as Tory rebels say they are unconvinced by a `` rehashed '' tiers analysis .
A commons is vote is set to be held on Tuesday to approve the new system of tiers , which will leave just 1 % of the country with the lowest level of restrictions .
Sir Keir Starmer said : `` It 's very important as the opposition that we act in the national interest , '' he said .
`` We do have serious misgivings about the government scheme , the proposals , but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will not be voting against them . ''
In response , Number 10 accused the Labour leader of `` playing politics in the middle of a global pandemic instead of working with the government to find a way through this difficult time for the British people '' .
The news came as ministers released an impact assessment of the tiered system of COVID-19 restrictions ahead of the vote .
Boris Johnson is battling to avoid a damaging Conservative revolt over the measures , with many of his MPs unhappy with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into effect in England when the second lockdown ends on Wednesday .
According to a tally by Sky News , a total of 65 Tories have voiced their unhappiness over the tiers , or have said they are unlikely to support the measures .
In its impact assessment , the government says that while the new restrictions will have a `` significant '' impact on the economy , allowing COVID-19 to run unchecked would be `` much worse '' for public health .
The document states that failing to keep stringent measures in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to an `` intolerable '' loss of life .
But in a withering response , a senior Tory MP has claimed the impact assessment contains little new information .
`` With little over 24 hours until MPs vote on the new tiered system , this rehashed document offers very little further in economic terms other than that which the OBR published last week , '' Treasury Select Committee chair Mel Stride said .
`` It 's frustrating that there is little here that sets out how the different tiers might impact on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
`` Those looking for additional economic analysis of the new tiered system will struggle to find it in this document . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mark Harper , chair of the COVID Recovery Group of Conservative MPs who are sceptical of further restrictions , said the analysis `` seems to be collapsing under the glare of scrutiny '' and `` the wheels are coming off the government 's arguments '' .
Sir Graham Brady , chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has said he is almost certain to vote against the government .
Speaking at an online event organised by the Institute for Economic Affairs , he said : `` My concerns about the impact on civil liberties and fundamental human rights are there regardless .
`` The fact is that my own constituency [ Altrincham and Sale West ] has been put inside the wrong tier without good justification - unless that were to change , it makes it inevitable that I would vote against . ''
Tory opposition to the tiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 99 % of England 's population will fall under the two toughest tiers from Wednesday .
About 32 million people - covering 57.3 % of England - will fall into Tier 2 .
But 23.3 million people - 41.5 % of the population - are going to be placed in Tier 3 .
Large parts of the Midlands , the North East and the North West will be subject to the severest measures .
Hospitality venues will be closed in the run-up to Christmas unless they can provide takeaway or delivery services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many MPs have questioned the basis for the tier decisions and raised fears about the economic impact .
Mr Johnson has acknowledged that `` lots of people think that they are in the wrong tier '' but is insistent that the measures are needed to slow the spread of coronavirus .
It would be wrong to `` take our foot off the throat of the beast '' now , the prime minister said .
The health secretary has also appealed to Tory MPs to support the tiered system , claiming it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a third national lockdown .
`` I would urge all MPs right across the House to vote for the tiered system , '' Matt Hancock told a Downing Street news conference .
Mr Hancock said England 's lockdown means `` we 've got this virus back under control '' - but warned continued vigilance is needed .
Conservative opponents of the new regional tier restrictions have been very specific about what they wanted to see from the government 's impact assessment of the new tier system .
Mark Harper , the former chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group , said MPs needed to know the social and economic impact of `` every proposed restriction '' within each tier before they cast their votes in the Commons on Tuesday .
But the document published by the government does not do that .
Instead it says `` it is not possible to forecast the precise economic impact of a specific change to a specific restriction with confidence '' .
There is acknowledgement that the latest forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility was based on the looser tier system in place before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new tougher version of the regional tier system could see greater short-term economic losses `` to the extent that average restrictions in the UK are stricter '' .
But an assessment of the economic impact of only being able to go to a pub with your own household in Tier 2 , for example , is not included .
The broad justification for the tier system set out in the document is the same made by ministers in recent days - that while there will be economic and social costs , failing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be `` intolerable for our society '' .
But for Conservative backbenchers considering voting against the government , the repetition of this argument may not be sufficient to change their minds .
They know the argument but they want to see solid evidence to justify it , and it 's not clear this document will be perceived to have provided that .

Labour MPs will abstain from a key lockdown vote as Tory rebels say they are unconvinced by a "rehashed" tiers analysis.
A Commons is vote is set to be held on Tuesday to approve the new system of tiers, which will leave just 1% of the country with the lowest level of restrictions.
Sir Keir Starmer said: "It's very important as the opposition that we act in the national interest," he said.
"We do have serious misgivings about the government scheme, the proposals, but we will not be voting them down tomorrow, we will not be voting against them."
In response, Number 10 accused the Labour leader of "playing politics in the middle of a global pandemic instead of working with the government to find a way through this difficult time for the British people".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 PM faces lockdown showdown with Tory MPs
The news came as ministers released an impact assessment of the tiered system of COVID-19 restrictions ahead of the vote.
Boris Johnson is battling to avoid a damaging Conservative revolt over the measures, with many of his MPs unhappy with the new system that is set to come into effect in England when the second lockdown ends on Wednesday.
According to a tally by Sky News, a total of 65 Tories have voiced their unhappiness over the tiers, or have said they are unlikely to support the measures.
In its impact assessment, the government says that while the new restrictions will have a "significant" impact on the economy, allowing COVID-19 to run unchecked would be "much worse" for public health.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'We've got this virus back under control'
The document states that failing to keep stringent measures in place would see the NHS overwhelmed and lead to an "intolerable" loss of life.
But in a withering response, a senior Tory MP has claimed the impact assessment contains little new information.
"With little over 24 hours until MPs vote on the new tiered system, this rehashed document offers very little further in economic terms other than that which the OBR published last week," Treasury Select Committee chair Mel Stride said.
"It's frustrating that there is little here that sets out how the different tiers might impact on the specific sectors and regions across the country.
"Those looking for additional economic analysis of the new tiered system will struggle to find it in this document."
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mark Harper, chair of the COVID Recovery Group of Conservative MPs who are sceptical of further restrictions, said the analysis "seems to be collapsing under the glare of scrutiny" and "the wheels are coming off the government's arguments".
Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbench Tories, has said he is almost certain to vote against the government.
Speaking at an online event organised by the Institute for Economic Affairs, he said: "My concerns about the impact on civil liberties and fundamental human rights are there regardless.
"The fact is that my own constituency [Altrincham and Sale West] has been put inside the wrong tier without good justification - unless that were to change, it makes it inevitable that I would vote against."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 COVID hotspots targeted with mass testing
Tory opposition to the tiers is being driven by the fact that 99% of England's population will fall under the two toughest tiers from Wednesday.
About 32 million people - covering 57.3% of England - will fall into Tier 2. But 23.3 million people - 41.5% of the population - are going to be placed in Tier 3.
Large parts of the Midlands, the North East and the North West will be subject to the severest measures.
Hospitality venues will be closed in the run-up to Christmas unless they can provide takeaway or delivery services, and households are forbidden from mixing indoors.
Many MPs have questioned the basis for the tier decisions and raised fears about the economic impact.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 COVID-19: Restrictions likely until Easter
Mr Johnson has acknowledged that "lots of people think that they are in the wrong tier" but is insistent that the measures are needed to slow the spread of coronavirus.
It would be wrong to "take our foot off the throat of the beast" now, the prime minister said.
The health secretary has also appealed to Tory MPs to support the tiered system, claiming it is the "best way" to avoid a third national lockdown.
"I would urge all MPs right across the House to vote for the tiered system," Matt Hancock told a Downing Street news conference.
Mr Hancock said England's lockdown means "we've got this virus back under control" - but warned continued vigilance is needed.
Analysis: Tiers assessment may not satisfy sceptical MPs
By Tom Rayner, political correspondent
Conservative opponents of the new regional tier restrictions have been very specific about what they wanted to see from the government's impact assessment of the new tier system.
Mark Harper, the former chief whip and chair of the COVID Recovery Group, said MPs needed to know the social and economic impact of "every proposed restriction" within each tier before they cast their votes in the Commons on Tuesday.
But the document published by the government does not do that.
Instead it says "it is not possible to forecast the precise economic impact of a specific change to a specific restriction with confidence".
There is acknowledgement that the latest forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility was based on the looser tier system in place before the England-wide lockdown, and therefore the new tougher version of the regional tier system could see greater short-term economic losses "to the extent that average restrictions in the UK are stricter".
But an assessment of the economic impact of only being able to go to a pub with your own household in Tier 2, for example, is not included.
The broad justification for the tier system set out in the document is the same made by ministers in recent days - that while there will be economic and social costs, failing to act and risking the NHS being overwhelmed would be "intolerable for our society".
But for Conservative backbenchers considering voting against the government, the repetition of this argument may not be sufficient to change their minds.
They know the argument but they want to see solid evidence to justify it, and it's not clear this document will be perceived to have provided that.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-30--People who refuse to get vaccine could be denied entry to venues, minister suggests

People could be refused entry to a host of venues if they decline a coronavirus vaccine , a minister has suggested .
Nadhim Zahawi , who is responsible for the rollout of vaccines against COVID-19 , said the jabs will not be compulsory .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world '' I think it is right that it is voluntary , '' he said .
`` People have to be allowed to decide for themselves whether they want to be vaccinated or otherwise .
`` But , I think the very strong message that you will see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole country , and so it 's good for your family , it 's good for your community , it 's good for your country to be vaccinated .
`` And , ultimately people will have to make a decision . ''
Mr Zahawi confirmed the government was looking at providing people who get the vaccine with an `` immunity passport '' to show they have received it .
And he also told the BBC 's World At One : `` I think you 'll probably find that restaurants and bars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will probably also use that system - as they have done with the app .
`` I think that in many ways the pressure will come from both ways , from service providers who 'll say 'look , demonstrate to us that you have been vaccinated ' .
`` But , also , we will make the technology as easy and accessible as possible . ''
Asked specifically if those who refuse to get vaccinated could find they are restricted in what they can do , Mr Zahawi replied : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But , I think you 'll probably find many service providers will want to engage with this in the way they did with the app . ''
Encouraging results from trials of a number of COVID-19 vaccines have raised hopes of a route out of the pandemic and a return to some form of normality in the months to come .
Moderna has filed for regulatory approval for its vaccine in the United States , reporting that its trials have shown no serious safety concerns with the jab , which it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK has secured seven million doses of this vaccine , enough for 3.5 million people .
A vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech has been found to have a 95 % efficacy rate in trials , with the UK government ordering 40 million doses .
Meanwhile , the UK has placed orders for 100 million doses of a vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca which has been found to be up to 90 % effective .
People could start being vaccinated within weeks if the jab gains approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products @ @ @

People could be refused entry to a host of venues if they decline a coronavirus vaccine, a minister has suggested.
Nadhim Zahawi, who is responsible for the rollout of vaccines against COVID-19, said the jabs will not be compulsory.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 Two million more Moderna doses secured for UK
"I think it is right that it is voluntary," he said.
"People have to be allowed to decide for themselves whether they want to be vaccinated or otherwise.
"But, I think the very strong message that you will see, this is the way we return the whole country, and so it's good for your family, it's good for your community, it's good for your country to be vaccinated.
"And, ultimately people will have to make a decision."
Mr Zahawi confirmed the government was looking at providing people who get the vaccine with an "immunity passport" to show they have received it.
And he also told the BBC's World At One: "I think you'll probably find that restaurants and bars and cinemas and other venues, sports venues, will probably also use that system - as they have done with the app.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Boris Johnson appoints vaccine minister
"I think that in many ways the pressure will come from both ways, from service providers who'll say 'look, demonstrate to us that you have been vaccinated'.
"But, also, we will make the technology as easy and accessible as possible."
Asked specifically if those who refuse to get vaccinated could find they are restricted in what they can do, Mr Zahawi replied: "I think people have to make a decision.
"But, I think you'll probably find many service providers will want to engage with this in the way they did with the app."
Image: How COVID-19 vaccines ordered by the UK compare
Encouraging results from trials of a number of COVID-19 vaccines have raised hopes of a route out of the pandemic and a return to some form of normality in the months to come.
Moderna has filed for regulatory approval for its vaccine in the United States, reporting that its trials have shown no serious safety concerns with the jab, which it says is 94.1% effective.
The UK has secured seven million doses of this vaccine, enough for 3.5 million people.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:19 Oxford vaccine is up to 90% effective
A vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech has been found to have a 95% efficacy rate in trials, with the UK government ordering 40 million doses.
Meanwhile, the UK has placed orders for 100 million doses of a vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca which has been found to be up to 90% effective.
People could start being vaccinated within weeks if the jab gains approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-30--'We really are now running out of time': EU talks go down to the wire

Talks on a trade deal with the EU may drag on into next week , with not long left until the full effects of Brexit are felt .
Both sides had said an agreement needed to be struck by mid-October to give enough time for the treaty to be ratified and implemented , but stalemate remains .
Brexit happened on 31 January , but for the rest of 2020 the UK signed up to a `` transition period '' , meaning things like freedom of movement and customs arrangements remained the same .
That was designed to ensure minimal disruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal to replace the existing arrangements and avoid a no-deal scenario .
The EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is still in London for discussions , after they stretched late into the night on Sunday .
`` There are reasons for determination , '' was his short message to reporters as talks commenced again on Monday .
But German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said with time running out , some EU countries are growing impatient .
`` We hope that the negotiations will have a good end , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal at any price and we have made this clear ... A deal is in everyone 's interest . ''
The remaining disagreements are thought to be on fishing and state aid .
Speaking on Sky News on Monday , Environment Secretary George Eustice said `` we really are now running out of time '' .
`` I know we have been saying that for some weeks , '' he admitted .
`` This is the crucial week we need to get a breakthrough .
`` I really do think we are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or 10 days .
`` Of course if great progress were made this week and you were nearly there it is always possible to extend those negotiations . ''

Talks on a trade deal with the EU may drag on into next week, with not long left until the full effects of Brexit are felt.
Both sides had said an agreement needed to be struck by mid-October to give enough time for the treaty to be ratified and implemented, but stalemate remains.
Brexit happened on 31 January, but for the rest of 2020 the UK signed up to a "transition period", meaning things like freedom of movement and customs arrangements remained the same.
Image: Michel Barniersaid there were 'reasons for determination'
That was designed to ensure minimal disruption while negotiators tried to hammer out a trade deal to replace the existing arrangements and avoid a no-deal scenario.
The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is still in London for discussions, after they stretched late into the night on Sunday.
"There are reasons for determination," was his short message to reporters as talks commenced again on Monday.
But German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said with time running out, some EU countries are growing impatient.
"We hope that the negotiations will have a good end," she said. "We don't need a deal at any price and we have made this clear... A deal is in everyone's interest."
Image: George Eustice said talks could end in up to 10 days
The remaining disagreements are thought to be on fishing and state aid.
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Speaking on Sky News on Monday, Environment Secretary George Eustice said "we really are now running out of time".
"I know we have been saying that for some weeks," he admitted. "This is the crucial week we need to get a breakthrough.
"I really do think we are now in the sort of, final week, or 10 days.
"Of course if great progress were made this week and you were nearly there it is always possible to extend those negotiations."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-30--Tory rebellion unlikely to derail COVID tier vote as Labour set to abstain

Boris Johnson is heading for a COVID showdown with rebel Tory MPs , despite being assured of victory in a Commons vote after Sir Keir Starmer said Labour will abstain .
Around 50 Conservative MPs are predicted to come out against the government in a vote to approve the tier system of COVID curbs in England , in which 99 % of the population face tough restrictions .
But in a dramatic twist on the eve of the Commons clash , Sir Keir Starmer announced that for the first time during the pandemic Labour would not support the government in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on last day of England 's lockdown The party will instead abstain , although a handful of left-wing MPs are expected to join rebel Tory MPs in voting against the restrictions , which come into force at midnight .
That means that even if Mr Johnson suffers a big rebellion from his own backbenchers , the so-called `` payroll vote '' of members of the government , boosted by backbench loyalists , will ensure a comfortable government victory .
But the rebellion will be deeply embarrassing for the prime minister and mean that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebellion by 34 Tory MPs in the vote on England 's national lockdown on 4 November - he has been rescued from defeat by Labour .
Disgruntled Conservatives on the `` COVID Recovery Group '' are understood to have held a virtual meeting on Tuesday morning , with one member revealing they will be `` making their views known in the vote this evening '' .
Announcing his decision to order Labour MPs to abstain , Sir Keir said : `` Coronavirus remains a serious threat to the public 's health and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued restrictions .
`` We will always act in the national interest , so we will not vote against these restrictions in parliament tomorrow .
`` However , I remain deeply concerned that Boris Johnson 's government has failed to use this latest lockdown to put a credible health and economic plan in place .
`` We still do n't have a functioning testing system , public health messaging is confused , and businesses across the country are crying out for more effective economic support to get them through the winter months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Despite the lifeline thrown to the prime minister , Downing Street reacted angrily to Sir Keir 's decision not to order his MPs into the aye lobby to support the government 's measures and accused him of `` playing politics '' .
`` This pandemic is one of the biggest challenges facing the country in decades and Labour have decided to abstain on it , '' said a Number 10 spokesperson .
`` While Keir Starmer claims he offers new leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he actually offers no leadership at all . ''
Opening the debate , Mr Johnson is expected to announce a £40m handout to pubs hit hardest by the coronavirus restrictions .
In a move demanded by many of the rebel Tory MPs , the compensation will be paid to so-called `` wet '' pubs and bars which are unable to open and serve `` substantial meals '' under the new Tier 2 regulations .
Earlier , a 48-page analysis of the impact of the tier system on the nation 's health and economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unconvincing .
Former Tory chief whip Mark Harper , who chairs the COVID Recovery Group of Conservative MPs , said the `` wheels are coming off the government 's arguments '' .
`` Before the current lockdown , incorrect death and hospital capacity modeling was leaked into the public domain to justify it , '' he said .
`` We have asked repeatedly for the information that vindicates these hospital projections and they have not been forthcoming . ''
Former Tory minister Mel Stride , who chairs the Treasury Select Committee of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's analysis dossier .
`` On a number of occasions , I 've requested from the chancellor and Treasury officials that they publish an analysis of the economic impacts of the three tiers , '' he said .
`` With little over 24 hours until MPs vote on the new tiered system , this rehashed document offers very little further in economic terms other than that which the OBR published last week . ''
Later , Labour hit out at a report in The Times that the government has drawn up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the economy , including a list of `` red '' areas facing the biggest job cuts .
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said the government could no longer keep the risks to jobs and the economy `` secret '' .
Despite the looming rebellion , Health Secretary Matt Hancock issued an eleventh-hour plea to rebels to back down as he closed a Downing Street news conference on the eve of the vote .
`` I would urge all MPs right across the House to vote for the tiered system , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` best way '' to avoid a third lockdown .

Boris Johnson is heading for a COVID showdown with rebel Tory MPs, despite being assured of victory in a Commons vote after Sir Keir Starmer said Labour will abstain.
Around 50 Conservative MPs are predicted to come out against the government in a vote to approve the tier system of COVID curbs in England, in which 99% of the population face tough restrictions.
But in a dramatic twist on the eve of the Commons clash, Sir Keir Starmer announced that for the first time during the pandemic Labour would not support the government in a key vote.
Live coronavirus updates on last day of England's lockdown
Image: Sir Keir Starmer has said his party will abstain
The party will instead abstain, although a handful of left-wing MPs are expected to join rebel Tory MPs in voting against the restrictions, which come into force at midnight.
That means that even if Mr Johnson suffers a big rebellion from his own backbenchers, the so-called "payroll vote" of members of the government, boosted by backbench loyalists, will ensure a comfortable government victory.
But the rebellion will be deeply embarrassing for the prime minister and mean that for the second time - following a rebellion by 34 Tory MPs in the vote on England's national lockdown on 4 November - he has been rescued from defeat by Labour.
Disgruntled Conservatives on the "COVID Recovery Group" are understood to have held a virtual meeting on Tuesday morning, with one member revealing they will be "making their views known in the vote this evening".
Announcing his decision to order Labour MPs to abstain, Sir Keir said: "Coronavirus remains a serious threat to the public's health and that's why Labour accept the need for continued restrictions.
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"We will always act in the national interest, so we will not vote against these restrictions in parliament tomorrow.
"However, I remain deeply concerned that Boris Johnson's government has failed to use this latest lockdown to put a credible health and economic plan in place.
"We still don't have a functioning testing system, public health messaging is confused, and businesses across the country are crying out for more effective economic support to get them through the winter months."
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Despite the lifeline thrown to the prime minister, Downing Street reacted angrily to Sir Keir's decision not to order his MPs into the aye lobby to support the government's measures and accused him of "playing politics".
"This pandemic is one of the biggest challenges facing the country in decades and Labour have decided to abstain on it," said a Number 10 spokesperson.
"While Keir Starmer claims he offers new leadership, it's clear to all that he actually offers no leadership at all."
Opening the debate, Mr Johnson is expected to announce a £40m handout to pubs hit hardest by the coronavirus restrictions.
In a move demanded by many of the rebel Tory MPs, the compensation will be paid to so-called "wet" pubs and bars which are unable to open and serve "substantial meals" under the new Tier 2 regulations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 PM faces lockdown showdown with Tory MPs
Earlier, a 48-page analysis of the impact of the tier system on the nation's health and economy was dismissed by senior MPs as inadequate and unconvincing.
Former Tory chief whip Mark Harper, who chairs the COVID Recovery Group of Conservative MPs, said the "wheels are coming off the government's arguments".
"Before the current lockdown, incorrect death and hospital capacity modeling was leaked into the public domain to justify it," he said.
"We have asked repeatedly for the information that vindicates these hospital projections and they have not been forthcoming."
Former Tory minister Mel Stride, who chairs the Treasury Select Committee of MPs, was also dismissive of the government's analysis dossier.
"On a number of occasions, I've requested from the chancellor and Treasury officials that they publish an analysis of the economic impacts of the three tiers," he said.
"With little over 24 hours until MPs vote on the new tiered system, this rehashed document offers very little further in economic terms other than that which the OBR published last week."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'We've got this virus back under control'
Later, Labour hit out at a report in The Times that the government has drawn up a secret dossier on the impact of coronavirus on the economy, including a list of "red" areas facing the biggest job cuts.
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said the government could no longer keep the risks to jobs and the economy "secret".
Despite the looming rebellion, Health Secretary Matt Hancock issued an eleventh-hour plea to rebels to back down as he closed a Downing Street news conference on the eve of the vote.
"I would urge all MPs right across the House to vote for the tiered system," he said, warning it would be the "best way" to avoid a third lockdown.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-27--Divided counties: Four areas battling their COVID-19 tier allocation

Politicians across England are threatening to rebel against the government after being placed in COVID-19 tiers they believe are unfair .
About 100 Conservative MPs ( almost a third of the party 's MPs ) are concerned about the way the tiers were allocated , environment secretary George Eustice told Sky News .
Boris Johnson has defended placing entire counties into higher tiers when they have wide variations of coronavirus rates , hospital admissions and deaths within them .
Live coronavirus updates on last day of England 's lockdown The government applied the new Tiers 1 , 2 and 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties , unitary authorities and city regions after its scientific advisers said it may make measures more effective .
However , the decision has prompted anger in some districts .
Politicians and locals have said it is unfair to place all areas in a higher tier because a different part of the county is in a worse COVID-19 situation .
Sky News looks at four areas to see why their tier allocation has become controversial .
How were the tiers determined ?
SAGE , the government 's scientific advisory body , warned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between areas within a larger region and therefore making the spread of the virus more likely .
`` Applying measures to larger areas , for example upper tier local authority ( UTLA ) rather than lower tier local authority , or region rather than UTLA , reduces the importance of 'edge effects ' and may make measures more effective , '' the group advised .
The government has said it will use the following criteria to determine which area is in which tier : case rate in all age groups , case rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at which cases are rising or falling , positivity rate ( percentage of tests which come back positive ) , and the pressure on the NHS .
MPs in `` The Garden of England '' were frustrated the entire county was placed in Tier 3 when some areas have low COVID-19 rates .
Seven Conservative MPs wrote to Health Secretary Matt Hancock , saying : `` Kent is a very large county with distinct areas within it , which is reflected in the vast difference in the incidence of COVID-19 . ''
Cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the positivity rate - how many people who are tested are positive - is over 5 % .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) says the figure should be under 5 % to keep the epidemic under control .
Swale , in northeast Kent , has the highest positivity rate in England , together with Kirklees in West Yorkshire , and Stockton-on-Tees in County Durham .
The coastal district and nearby Thanet , also in Kent , have the highest current infection rates in the country , but there are significant differences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cases are falling in the whole of Lancashire , but the positivity rate is above 5 % in every local authority in the area .
In some , like Pendle , Burnley and Hyndburn , there were 14 cases for every 100 tests done in the area in the last week .
MPs and council leaders in Lancashire said they are `` furious '' and `` livid '' , with Lancaster and Fleetwood MP Cat Smith saying her area is lower than all but one London borough - which is in Tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Conservative , has written to the PM about his concerns and is likely to rebel , while Paul Foster , the leader of South Ribble Council , has said he would consider legal action if his area was placed under the highest tier .
Warwickshire was in Tier 1 before England 's second national lockdown and now has one of the clearest divisions within one county , with a north/south divide .
Stratford-on-Avon MP Nadhim Zahawi , who became the vaccine rollout minister over the weekend , said he has spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong feelings '' from constituents and is pushing for Warwickshire to be considered apart from its neighbouring counties , and separately from Coventry and Solihull .
The leader of Stratford District Council , where rates are relatively low , said it was a `` surprise '' , while bosses of the town 's famous Royal Shakespeare Company said they were `` deeply disappointed '' .
Local council leaders , Conservative and Labour MPs and many business owners across the county have called on the government to re-evaluate , saying it was just Coventry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on .
The controversy is not just about counties being placed in Tier 3 when they think they should be in Tier 2 , but also those who believe they should be in Tier 1 .
The government said it placed Devon in Tier 2 because `` there is pressure at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital '' , despite its infection rate being well below the national average .
MPs in the area have blamed this on `` historic underfunding of healthcare in the South West '' , especially in rural areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially those on the border with Cornwall , have said it is unfair because their rates are similar , or lower , than their southern neighbour , which is one of just three places placed in Tier 1 .
The government published an impact assessment report of the measures ahead of MPs voting on the tiers , and said it will review the tiers on 16 December .
Despite this , Mr Johnson now faces a major rebellion with many backbench Tory MPs critical of the tier system .

Politicians across England are threatening to rebel against the government after being placed in COVID-19 tiers they believe are unfair.
About 100 Conservative MPs (almost a third of the party's MPs) are concerned about the way the tiers were allocated, environment secretary George Eustice told Sky News.
Boris Johnson has defended placing entire counties into higher tiers when they have wide variations of coronavirus rates, hospital admissions and deaths within them.
Live coronavirus updates on last day of England's lockdown
The government applied the new Tiers 1, 2 and 3 to the largest local government areas – counties, unitary authorities and city regions after its scientific advisers said it may make measures more effective. However, the decision has prompted anger in some districts. Politicians and locals have said it is unfair to place all areas in a higher tier because a different part of the county is in a worse COVID-19 situation. Sky News looks at four areas to see why their tier allocation has become controversial.
How were the tiers determined?
SAGE, the government's scientific advisory body, warned about "edge effects" - people moving between areas within a larger region and therefore making the spread of the virus more likely.
"Applying measures to larger areas, for example upper tier local authority (UTLA) rather than lower tier local authority, or region rather than UTLA, reduces the importance of 'edge effects' and may make measures more effective," the group advised.
The government has said it will use the following criteria to determine which area is in which tier: case rate in all age groups, case rate in the over 60s, the rate at which cases are rising or falling, positivity rate (percentage of tests which come back positive), and the pressure on the NHS.
Kent and Medway
MPs in "The Garden of England" were frustrated the entire county was placed in Tier 3 when some areas have low COVID-19 rates.
Seven Conservative MPs wrote to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, saying: "Kent is a very large county with distinct areas within it, which is reflected in the vast difference in the incidence of COVID-19."
Cases are rising in the whole county and the positivity rate - how many people who are tested are positive - is over 5%. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the figure should be under 5% to keep the epidemic under control.
Swale, in northeast Kent, has the highest positivity rate in England, together with Kirklees in West Yorkshire, and Stockton-on-Tees in County Durham.
The coastal district and nearby Thanet, also in Kent, have the highest current infection rates in the country, but there are significant differences with other areas in the same county.
Lancashire
Cases are falling in the whole of Lancashire, but the positivity rate is above 5% in every local authority in the area. In some, like Pendle, Burnley and Hyndburn, there were 14 cases for every 100 tests done in the area in the last week.
MPs and council leaders in Lancashire said they are "furious" and "livid", with Lancaster and Fleetwood MP Cat Smith saying her area is lower than all but one London borough - which is in Tier 2.
Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, a Conservative, has written to the PM about his concerns and is likely to rebel, while Paul Foster, the leader of South Ribble Council, has said he would consider legal action if his area was placed under the highest tier.
Lancaster, like Tunbridge Wells in Kent, has one of the lowest infection rates in a Tier 3 area. But most Lancashire authorities have a high number of COVID-19 cases.
Lancashire Rest of England Infection rates are also high or very high among the over 60s in Lancashire, as is the pressure on the NHS. Hospitals in the north of England have been worst affected, with rising COVID-19 admissions increasing occupancy.
Lancashire Rest of England
Warwickshire plus Coventry and Solihull
Warwickshire was in Tier 1 before England's second national lockdown and now has one of the clearest divisions within one county, with a north/south divide.
Stratford-on-Avon MP Nadhim Zahawi, who became the vaccine rollout minister over the weekend, said he has spoken to Mr Hancock about the "very strong feelings" from constituents and is pushing for Warwickshire to be considered apart from its neighbouring counties, and separately from Coventry and Solihull.
The leader of Stratford District Council, where rates are relatively low, said it was a "surprise", while bosses of the town's famous Royal Shakespeare Company said they were "deeply disappointed".
Local council leaders, Conservative and Labour MPs and many business owners across the county have called on the government to re-evaluate, saying it was just Coventry and Solihull that the decision was made on.
Nuneaton and Bedworth’s weekly infection is three times that of Stratford-on-Avon. The number of COVID-19 cases in Shakespeare’s birthplace is currently among the lowest in Tier 3.
Warwickshire Rest of England Excluding Stratford-on-Avon, infection rates among the over 60s in Warwickshire are extremely high, putting considerable pressure on the NHS.
Warwickshire Rest of England Cases are also decreasing faster in the south of the county than in the north.
Warwickshire Rest of England
Devon plus Plymouth and Torbay
The controversy is not just about counties being placed in Tier 3 when they think they should be in Tier 2, but also those who believe they should be in Tier 1.
The government said it placed Devon in Tier 2 because "there is pressure at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital", despite its infection rate being well below the national average.
MPs in the area have blamed this on "historic underfunding of healthcare in the South West", especially in rural areas.
Many local authorities in Devon, especially those on the border with Cornwall, have said it is unfair because their rates are similar, or lower, than their southern neighbour, which is one of just three places placed in Tier 1.
All local authorities in Devon have infection rates below the national average, with South Hams and Teignbridge among the lowest current rates in the country.
Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Rest of England The number of cases among the over 60s is also low in most of the county, except in Exeter where it is higher than in many other Tier 2 areas.
Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Rest of England And while cases have been decreasing in areas like South Hams, in recent weeks they have been increasing in Mid Devon more than in most other Tier 2 places.
Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Rest of England
The government published an impact assessment report of the measures ahead of MPs voting on the tiers, and said it will review the tiers on 16 December.
Despite this, Mr Johnson now faces a major rebellion with many backbench Tory MPs critical of the tier system.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-01--Government refuses to publish dossier on economic impact of COVID

Government officials have drawn up a detailed dossier looking at the impact of coronavirus on every economic sector which it is refusing to publish .
The Business Department has drawn up a spreadsheet looking at the size of each sector , the concerns of each sector , its financial stability and whether there will be job losses .
Officials have colour-coded green , yellow and red the various impacts .
It covers dozens of sectors from aviation to tourism , Sky News understands , but does not break down the impact of different tiers on the various sectors .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by The Times .
The timing has inflamed Tory MPs already angry that the government 's analysis published on Monday on the health , economic and social effects of coronavirus did not go into any substantial details about the impact of restrictions .
The revelation there is a secret dossier with more detailed assessments has left MPs unimpressed .
Michael Gove argued this morning that most of the data in the dossier was in the public domain so there was no need to release it .
In a hearing with the Treasury Select @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richard Hughes insisted the Treasury had not discussed the reported `` secret dossier '' detailing red , amber and green-rated impacts on sectors of the economy .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said the OBR shared with the Treasury its own impact analysis , although that was based on the previous tier system .
Mr Hughes added that the Treasury had largely only revealed its research showing the impact of previous restrictions on infection rates .
Labour could try and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons .

Government officials have drawn up a detailed dossier looking at the impact of coronavirus on every economic sector which it is refusing to publish.
The Business Department has drawn up a spreadsheet looking at the size of each sector, the concerns of each sector, its financial stability and whether there will be job losses.
Officials have colour-coded green, yellow and red the various impacts.
It covers dozens of sectors from aviation to tourism, Sky News understands, but does not break down the impact of different tiers on the various sectors.
The existence of the dossier was first reported by The Times.
The timing has inflamed Tory MPs already angry that the government's analysis published on Monday on the health, economic and social effects of coronavirus did not go into any substantial details about the impact of restrictions.
The revelation there is a secret dossier with more detailed assessments has left MPs unimpressed.
Michael Gove argued this morning that most of the data in the dossier was in the public domain so there was no need to release it.
In a hearing with the Treasury Select Committee, Office of Budget Responsibility chairman Richard Hughes insisted the Treasury had not discussed the reported "secret dossier" detailing red, amber and green-rated impacts on sectors of the economy.
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He said the OBR shared with the Treasury its own impact analysis, although that was based on the previous tier system.
Mr Hughes added that the Treasury had largely only revealed its research showing the impact of previous restrictions on infection rates.
Labour could try and force disclosure of the dossier using the Commons.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-01--'Vaccine passports' for pub, theatre and sport stadium visits ruled out

Britons will not need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to go to the pub , theatre or sport stadium in the future , a senior minister has promised .
Michael Gove ruled out the suggestion , insisting there was no plan to introduce any form of special identification for those who get the jab .
`` I certainly am not planning to introduce any vaccine passports , and I do n't know anyone else in government who is , '' he told Sky News .
Live coronavirus updates on last day of England 's lockdown The possibility was mooted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
He revealed the government was looking at issuing `` immunity passports '' and suggested firms like bars and cinemas `` will probably also use that system '' .
But the move sparked some anger - with Tory MP Marcus Fysh branding it `` ignorant authoritarianism '' and civil liberties group Big Brother Watch warning against `` health apartheid '' .
In a bid to dampen concerns , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove insisted there was no plan to force people to get the vaccine if they wanted to visit some venues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he told Kay Burley : `` No .
I think the most important thing to do is make sure we vaccinate as many people as possible .
`` There are three vaccines that are going through appropriate testing now to make sure that they 're absolutely safe and the most important thing is to make sure we get as many people as possible - starting with the most vulnerable , and then those who work on the front-line of the NHS - vaccinated effectively . ''
He said there were a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's a big challenge because we 've got to persuade people who are opposed to taking a vaccine that it 's in all of our collective interest '' .
It is estimated that for herd immunity to be achieved between 50-80 % of the population need to get a jab , dependent on how effective the vaccine is .
`` I think we can take on some of the arguments from the anti-vax brigade , they 're not really based in science , '' Mr Gove added .
`` There 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure vaccines are safe . ''
Mr Gove also played down the chance of another national lockdown in 2021 , following concerns from scientists the Christmas rules relaxation will lead to a growth in coronavirus cases .
“ I ’ m as confident as confident can be that we won ’ t need one , '' he said .

Britons will not need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to go to the pub, theatre or sport stadium in the future, a senior minister has promised.
Michael Gove ruled out the suggestion, insisting there was no plan to introduce any form of special identification for those who get the jab.
"I certainly am not planning to introduce any vaccine passports, and I don't know anyone else in government who is," he told Sky News.
Image: The minister said passports to restrict who can go to the pub were not planned
Live coronavirus updates on last day of England's lockdown
The possibility was mooted by the new vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi on Monday.
He revealed the government was looking at issuing "immunity passports" and suggested firms like bars and cinemas "will probably also use that system".
But the move sparked some anger - with Tory MP Marcus Fysh branding it "ignorant authoritarianism" and civil liberties group Big Brother Watch warning against "health apartheid".
In a bid to dampen concerns, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove insisted there was no plan to force people to get the vaccine if they wanted to visit some venues.
Image: Scientists are concerned COVID-19 cases will rise over Christmas
Asked if it was a possibility, he told Kay Burley: "No. I think the most important thing to do is make sure we vaccinate as many people as possible.
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"There are three vaccines that are going through appropriate testing now to make sure that they're absolutely safe and the most important thing is to make sure we get as many people as possible - starting with the most vulnerable, and then those who work on the front-line of the NHS - vaccinated effectively."
He said there were a significant number of conspiracy theorists and admitted "that's a big challenge because we've got to persuade people who are opposed to taking a vaccine that it's in all of our collective interest".
It is estimated that for herd immunity to be achieved between 50-80% of the population need to get a jab, dependent on how effective the vaccine is.
Image: A Tory MP hit out 'ignorant authoritarianism'
"I think we can take on some of the arguments from the anti-vax brigade, they're not really based in science," Mr Gove added.
"There's a very rigorous process we undergo to make sure vaccines are safe."
Mr Gove also played down the chance of another national lockdown in 2021, following concerns from scientists the Christmas rules relaxation will lead to a growth in coronavirus cases.
“I’m as confident as confident can be that we won’t need one," he said.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-30--New unit to monitor border disruption once Brexit transition ends

A new unit will be on the lookout for potential problems at the UK 's border once the Brexit transition period ends , the government has announced .
From 1 January , the Border Operations Centre will use specialists and cutting-edge software to help cope with disruption once the UK leaves the EU 's single market and customs union and moves to new trading arrangements .
With less than a month to go until the transition period ends , ministers are also stepping up their calls for businesses to prepare .
Firms will have to contend with changes regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike a trade deal with Brussels in the coming weeks .
`` At the end of the year we will take back control of our borders and that 's why we have set up the new Border Operations Centre to monitor and analyse flows of goods and people into the UK in real time , '' Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said .
`` This will help us tackle challenges quickly and decisively , and give us increased information which will make us safer and more secure . ''
The centrepiece of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service software , which will gather information about the flow of goods and passengers .
Officials have acknowledged that changes in trading arrangements will likely mean there is `` short-term '' disruption at the border .
But they hope that better access to information and intelligence will minimise the disruption .
From July , UK imports from the continent will need safety and security declarations , which officials hope will help fight organised crime .
As the end of the transition approaches , the government has sent letters to businesses in a bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to do in order to prepare .
`` As we enter the home stretch , businesses must make sure they are fully prepared for the new rules and opportunities that being an independent trading nation will bring , '' Business Secretary Alok Sharma said .
`` Amongst all our proactive work with business , I have written to nearly five million firms across the UK outlining the top actions they need to take , and reminding them that the government is here to support them as the transition period ends . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reeves said ministers were `` once again '' putting the `` burden on businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period , when it has not explained what it is those businesses are getting ready for '' .
She continued : `` The government is rebadging a basic element of preparation but still ca n't tell us how many customs agents are recruited or trained or whether crucial IT is ready .
`` With glaring questions like these still unanswered , this government must do much more than just 'demand action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge pressure from the pandemic - and instead provide them with some much needed answers . ''

A new unit will be on the lookout for potential problems at the UK's border once the Brexit transition period ends, the government has announced.
From 1 January, the Border Operations Centre will use specialists and cutting-edge software to help cope with disruption once the UK leaves the EU's single market and customs union and moves to new trading arrangements.
With less than a month to go until the transition period ends, ministers are also stepping up their calls for businesses to prepare.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Raab: Brexit talks into 'last week or so'
Firms will have to contend with changes regardless of whether or not the UK manages to strike a trade deal with Brussels in the coming weeks.
"At the end of the year we will take back control of our borders and that's why we have set up the new Border Operations Centre to monitor and analyse flows of goods and people into the UK in real time," Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said.
"This will help us tackle challenges quickly and decisively, and give us increased information which will make us safer and more secure."
The centrepiece of the new operation will be the Border Flow Service software, which will gather information about the flow of goods and passengers.
Officials have acknowledged that changes in trading arrangements will likely mean there is "short-term" disruption at the border.
But they hope that better access to information and intelligence will minimise the disruption.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:40 Brexit border delays: Why do they matter?
From July, UK imports from the continent will need safety and security declarations, which officials hope will help fight organised crime.
As the end of the transition approaches, the government has sent letters to businesses in a bid to make sure they know what they need to do in order to prepare.
"As we enter the home stretch, businesses must make sure they are fully prepared for the new rules and opportunities that being an independent trading nation will bring," Business Secretary Alok Sharma said.
"Amongst all our proactive work with business, I have written to nearly five million firms across the UK outlining the top actions they need to take, and reminding them that the government is here to support them as the transition period ends."
Labour's shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said ministers were "once again" putting the "burden on businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period, when it has not explained what it is those businesses are getting ready for".
She continued: "The government is rebadging a basic element of preparation but still can't tell us how many customs agents are recruited or trained or whether crucial IT is ready.
"With glaring questions like these still unanswered, this government must do much more than just 'demand action' from UK businesses, already under huge pressure from the pandemic - and instead provide them with some much needed answers."


skynewspolitics--2020-12-01--Irish PM 'hopeful' of Brexit deal this week as talks reach 'endgame'

Ireland 's prime minister has said he is `` hopeful '' a Brexit free-trade deal can be made this week , after leaders warned time is `` running out '' .
Speaking to the Irish Times , Prime Minister Micheal Martin said British and EU negotiators have now reached an `` endgame '' .
`` It will require political will to conclude the deal and there are options to conclude the deal , and so on balance , I would be hopeful that it can be done at the end of this week , '' he said .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an imminent agreement last week .
Boris Johnson and Mr Martin spoke on the phone on Friday to discuss progress in the negotiations , with the UK prime minister `` underlining his commitment to reaching a deal that respects the sovereignty of the UK '' .
The leaders had also spoken of a need to prioritise the Good Friday Agreement and avoiding a hard border with Ireland , a Number 10 spokesperson said .
There have been concerns from other quarters that trade deal talks could stretch into next week , with compromises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , enforcement and fishing .
The Brexit transition period ends on 31 December after the UK formally left the EU in January .
Both sides had agreed a deal should be struck by mid-October to give enough time for the agreements to be implemented .
Still , talks have continued in stalemate and an EU source said on Monday that `` massive divergences '' remain .
Discussions stretched late into the night on Sunday , with the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier telling reporters `` there are reasons for determination '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said `` we are running out of time here '' .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel echoed his remarks , saying some EU member states were losing patience .
`` We hope that the negotiations will have a good end , '' she said .
`` We do n't need a deal at any price and we have made this clear ... A deal is in everyone 's interest . ''
A Downing Street spokesperson said there has been some progress but `` there still remains divergence on issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level playing field '' .
`` We want to try and reach a free trade agreement as soon as possible but we 've been clear we wo n't change our negotiating position , '' they added .
Securing a deal would safeguard trade , as well as reinforcing peace in Northern Ireland - although there is expected to be disruption at the busiest EU-UK border points .

Ireland's prime minister has said he is "hopeful" a Brexit free-trade deal can be made this week, after leaders warned time is "running out".
Speaking to the Irish Times, Prime Minister Micheal Martin said British and EU negotiators have now reached an "endgame".
"It will require political will to conclude the deal and there are options to conclude the deal, and so on balance, I would be hopeful that it can be done at the end of this week," he said.
Image: Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said negotiations have reached 'endgame'
However, Mr Martin had expressed similar hopefulness of an imminent agreement last week.
Boris Johnson and Mr Martin spoke on the phone on Friday to discuss progress in the negotiations, with the UK prime minister "underlining his commitment to reaching a deal that respects the sovereignty of the UK".
The leaders had also spoken of a need to prioritise the Good Friday Agreement and avoiding a hard border with Ireland, a Number 10 spokesperson said.
There have been concerns from other quarters that trade deal talks could stretch into next week, with compromises still to be made on state aid, enforcement and fishing.
The Brexit transition period ends on 31 December after the UK formally left the EU in January.
Both sides had agreed a deal should be struck by mid-October to give enough time for the agreements to be implemented.
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Still, talks have continued in stalemate and an EU source said on Monday that "massive divergences" remain.
Image: Michel Barnier says there are 'reasons for determination'
Discussions stretched late into the night on Sunday, with the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier telling reporters "there are reasons for determination".
In a warning to negotiators, Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said "we are running out of time here".
German Chancellor Angela Merkel echoed his remarks, saying some EU member states were losing patience.
"We hope that the negotiations will have a good end," she said. "We don't need a deal at any price and we have made this clear... A deal is in everyone's interest."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 Raab: Brexit talks into 'last week or so'
A Downing Street spokesperson said there has been some progress but "there still remains divergence on issues [such as] fisheries and the level playing field".
"We want to try and reach a free trade agreement as soon as possible but we've been clear we won't change our negotiating position," they added.
Securing a deal would safeguard trade, as well as reinforcing peace in Northern Ireland - although there is expected to be disruption at the busiest EU-UK border points.


skynewspolitics--2020-12-01--MPs approve new coronavirus tiers - but PM suffers major Tory rebellion

England 's new tiered system of coronavirus restrictions has been approved by MPs , although more than 50 Tory MPs rebelled against the measures .
The result means that the COVID-19 measures will come into effect today in England .
As it happened : Commons debate on COVID tiers However , the size of the Conservative rebellion - which was bigger than that of the Tory opposition to the introduction of the lockdown last month - demonstrates that the prime minister has a job on his hands to maintain support for the regional restrictions .
It comes as it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for COVID-19 in the UK .
And a further 603 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus , taking the total number of deaths to 59,051 .
A government spokesman said the tiered system will `` help to safeguard the gains made during the past month and keep the virus under control '' .
They added : `` We will continue to work with MPs who have expressed concerns in recent days . ''
The new measures were approved by 291 votes to 78 , a majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebelled , with 52 voting against the COVID-19 restrictions and a further two acting as tellers for the noes .
Former Conservative MP Julian Lewis , who had the whip removed last year but usually votes with the government , also opposed the measures .
A total of 15 Labour MPs and eight DUP MPs voted against the tiered system .
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn , who is currently sitting as an independent , voted against .
Conservative MP Jamie Wallis was recorded as voting both for and against , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A further 16 Tory MPs had no vote recorded , including former prime minister Theresa May and ex-minister Andrea Leadsom .
However , while some will have been abstentions , others may have had valid reasons for not casting a vote either way .
Sky 's chief political correspondent Jon Craig said he had been told by MPs in the chamber that Boris Johnson was `` standing at the door of the 'aye ' lobby '' and `` begging '' Tory MPs to come over from the `` no '' lobby and vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour ahead of the vote that the party would abstain meant that Mr Johnson was never in danger of losing .
Sir Keir Starmer said that while his party has `` serious misgivings '' about the restrictions , it would not be in the national interest to vote them down when the virus still poses a `` serious risk '' .
He accused the PM of `` overpromising and under-delivering '' by pursuing short-term measures that then `` bump into the harsh reality of the virus '' .
The Liberal Democrats , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also abstained .
Tory opposition has been driven by the fact that 99 % of England 's population will fall under the two toughest tiers , which are stricter than the previous tiers in place before lockdown .
About 32 million people - covering 57.3 % of England - will fall into Tier 2 .
But 23.3 million people - 41.5 % of the population - are going to be placed in Tier 3 , the highest level of restrictions .
Only the Isle of Wight , Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Tier 3 areas , hospitality venues will be closed in the run-up to Christmas unless they can provide takeaway or delivery services , and households will be forbidden from mixing indoors .
Many MPs have questioned the basis for the tier decisions and raised fears about the economic impact .
Conservative rebel leader Mark Harper said it was a matter of `` regret '' that so many MPs `` felt forced to vote against '' the measures .
`` The House of Commons has spoken and we hope that the government will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been making on the need for better data and modelling , regional cost-benefit analysis and on trusting MPs with the information they need to make such important decisions on behalf of their constituents , '' he said .
Addressing the Commons earlier , the PM told MPs there was a `` compelling case '' for the tiered system .
He acknowledged `` people 's feelings of injustice '' about the tiers they have been placed in , while also hinting that the government could look at smaller areas when deciding tiering allocations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs which do not serve food would get a one-off payment of £1,000 in December .
However , the British Beer & Pub Association has said that on its own , the money was `` nowhere near enough to stave off thousands of pub closures '' .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A number of Tory MPs lined up to criticise the tiered system ahead of the vote .
Sir Graham Brady , chair of the 1922 Committee of backbenchers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that serious and compelling case , I have no choice but to oppose these measures . ''
Former Brexit secretary David Davis told MPs that a `` policy of maximum protection for minimum damage '' was required and `` this policy is not it '' .
Another former minister , Damian Green , said the plans lacked public backing , adding : `` I 've had the most angry emails over a weekend since the Dominic Cummings ' trip to Barnard Castle . ''

England's new tiered system of coronavirus restrictions has been approved by MPs, although more than 50 Tory MPs rebelled against the measures.
The result means that the COVID-19 measures came into effect in England at midnight on Wednesday.
As it happened: Commons debate on COVID tiers
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 PM slips over date of tier 'sunset' clause
However, the size of the Conservative rebellion - which was bigger than that of the Tory opposition to the introduction of the lockdown last month - demonstrates that the prime minister has a job on his hands to maintain support for the regional restrictions.
It comes as it was announced that another 13,430 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK.
And a further 603 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of deaths to 59,051.
A government spokesman said the tiered system will "help to safeguard the gains made during the past month and keep the virus under control".
They added: "We will continue to work with MPs who have expressed concerns in recent days."
The new measures were approved by 291 votes to 78, a majority of 213.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 Starmer: 'Highly unlikely' an area will drop a tier within two weeks
A total of 55 Tories rebelled, with 52 voting against the COVID-19 restrictions and a further two acting as tellers for the noes.
Former Conservative MP Julian Lewis, who had the whip removed last year but usually votes with the government, also opposed the measures.
A total of 15 Labour MPs and eight DUP MPs voted against the tiered system.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is currently sitting as an independent, voted against.
Conservative MP Jamie Wallis was recorded as voting both for and against, which is usually regarded as a formal abstention.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 PM reacts to MP's decision to oppose COVID tiers
A further 16 Tory MPs had no vote recorded, including former prime minister Theresa May and ex-minister Andrea Leadsom.
However, while some will have been abstentions, others may have had valid reasons for not casting a vote either way.
Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig said he had been told by MPs in the chamber that Boris Johnson was "standing at the door of the 'aye' lobby" and "begging" Tory MPs to come over from the "no" lobby and vote with the government.
The announcement from Labour ahead of the vote that the party would abstain meant that Mr Johnson was never in danger of losing.
Sir Keir Starmer said that while his party has "serious misgivings" about the restrictions, it would not be in the national interest to vote them down when the virus still poses a "serious risk".
He accused the PM of "overpromising and under-delivering" by pursuing short-term measures that then "bump into the harsh reality of the virus".
The Liberal Democrats, who have 11 MPs in the Commons, also abstained.
Tory opposition has been driven by the fact that 99% of England's population will fall under the two toughest tiers, which are stricter than the previous tiers in place before lockdown.
About 32 million people - covering 57.3% of England - will fall into Tier 2.
But 23.3 million people - 41.5% of the population - are going to be placed in Tier 3, the highest level of restrictions.
Only the Isle of Wight, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been designated for Tier 1.
In Tier 3 areas, hospitality venues will be closed in the run-up to Christmas unless they can provide takeaway or delivery services, and households will be forbidden from mixing indoors.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Emotional Hancock recounts COVID death of relative
Many MPs have questioned the basis for the tier decisions and raised fears about the economic impact.
Conservative rebel leader Mark Harper said it was a matter of "regret" that so many MPs "felt forced to vote against" the measures.
"The House of Commons has spoken and we hope that the government will take on board the comments we have been making on the need for better data and modelling, regional cost-benefit analysis and on trusting MPs with the information they need to make such important decisions on behalf of their constituents," he said.
Addressing the Commons earlier, the PM told MPs there was a "compelling case" for the tiered system.
He acknowledged "people's feelings of injustice" about the tiers they have been placed in, while also hinting that the government could look at smaller areas when deciding tiering allocations in the future.
Mr Johnson also promised pubs which do not serve food would get a one-off payment of £1,000 in December.
However, the British Beer & Pub Association has said that on its own, the money was "nowhere near enough to stave off thousands of pub closures".
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A number of Tory MPs lined up to criticise the tiered system ahead of the vote.
Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee of backbenchers, said: "In the absence of that serious and compelling case, I have no choice but to oppose these measures."
Former Brexit secretary David Davis told MPs that a "policy of maximum protection for minimum damage" was required and "this policy is not it".
Another former minister, Damian Green, said the plans lacked public backing, adding: "I've had the most angry emails over a weekend since the Dominic Cummings' trip to Barnard Castle."