Thread by @paulwaugh

The Tory rebels have already won the argument against 'vaccine passports', even if they lose the vote tonight

My latest for @theipaper
inews.co.uk/opinion/tory-r…

Key issue is what ministers say publicly today.
No.10 insists 'no plans' to change lateral flow test alternative to Covid jjab status.
But more potential rebellion cd be lower if ministers go on record with what PM and Javid told @danny__kruger privately

dannykruger.org.uk/news/statement…

He's finally done it: guarantee of no vaccine-only curbs on access to services.
@sajidjavid just told @Alex_Stafford he would never support 'vaccine passports'.
Says govt will ensure 'there's always an option for lateral flow tests".
"I would not support a vaccine only option"

To be fair it wasn't a guarantee as such, but politically all but impossible for PM to go ahead with any vaccine-only curbs if his Health Secretary has vowed never to support the idea.

Will it be enough to reduce the rebellion tho? Some MPs still worried it's a slippery slope

.@wesstreeting said if govt wanted to extend tests-or-jabs pass to all hospitality, Labour wd look at it if recommended by scientific advisers.
Points out France system works and urges Tory MPs to consider whether "France is not a country that values liberty."

Suspect that will further fuel the Tory rebellion. Especially as he's not ruled out the slippery slope (extending system beyond nightclubs to pubs, restaurants) that many Tory MPs fear.