UK PM Johnson defends COVID record after revolt
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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday (December 15), just a day after a rebellion against new curbs by more than 100 of his Conservatives.
''The government is taking a balanced and proportionate approach to dealing with the pandemic and the House voted through Plan B.''
Johnson sought to play down what was the largest parliamentary vote against his administration by lawmakers from within his own party.
The refusal of so many Conservative lawmakers to back Johnson underlines the depth of anger over the new COVID rules as well as a slew of scandals plaguing his government
- including alleged parties at his Downing Street office last year while Britain was in lockdown - and a pricey refurbishment of his apartment.
Opposition leader Keir Starmer was quick to point out it was his Labour party's votes that delivered the victory on Tuesday night.
''The Labour Party showed the leadership yesterday that the prime minister lacks. Mr. Speaker, if it wasn't for Labour votes, his government wouldn't have been able to introduce vital health measures."
The new rules include increased mask-wearing and the introduction of Covid passes for some venues.
