Tonight Parliament is voting on new restrictions: the introduction of face masks, Covid Passes (negative lateral flow test or proof of double vaccination for night clubs and large gatherings) and vaccinations for NHS workers.
These are being put in place in light of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in Britain.
I have always found the introduction of restrictions some of the hardest votes in Parliament as I have seen the fear it can breed in residents to take part in the most human of pleasures, being with colleagues, friends and family.
I look to other countries which have far more restrictions than we do and I worry about the direction of travel for personal freedoms particularly having seen the after effects of previous lockdowns on the young and some of our older neighbours too.
However, ultimately, I am not the one who is responsible for dealing with an overwhelmed health service if we get there, it is the Prime Minister and healthcare professionals.
Therefore I will support them taking these steps at this difficult juncture when we simply do not have enough data to know what will happen next, on the basis that we use the time to ramp up the booster programme.
The boosters are far and away our best defence against Covid and further lockdown measures so please do get yours when you can.
I have fed in concerns at the highest levels and I thank all in Government who have taken time to discuss these measures with me over the last week.
