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       Raab refuses to rule out tougher Covid measures before Christmas-.mp4

       Boris Johnson is facing the largest rebellion of his premiership as over 70 backbenchers are threatening to defy the whip and vote against the government’s new Plan B measures to slow the spread of the omicron variant.

       It is also reported that up to 10 ministerial aides could resign to oppose the controls, with up to four votes on the measures expected to take place on Tuesday evening.

       The measures - including Covid passes for entry into nightclubs and other venues - are expected to pass the Commons with the support of Labour, who back tighter controls.

       It comes as Downing Street staff were warned not to “destroy any relevant information” regarding alleged Christmas parties that took place last year.

       In an email seen by ITV News, staff were warned that any evidence of a criminal offence will be passed to the police, pausing the internal investigation at that stage. Additionally, staff were told that they could be summoned within days to give evidence in the investigation.

       Recommended No 10 staff ‘warned against destroying relevant information’ over alleged Christmas parties Boris Johnson faces biggest revolt yet over ‘plan B’ measures as Covid pass rules to be tightened Poorest families worse off under Boris Johnson while incomes of richest soar, new analysis finds

       Key Points Boris Johnson faces biggest ever revolt No 10 staff warned against destroying relevant information over alleged Christmas parties Dominic Raab set for Human Rights Act overhaul

       Show latest update 1639471257 Boris Johnson faces biggest revolt yet over ‘plan B’ measures as Covid pass rules to be tightened

       Boris Johnson is facing the biggest revolt of his premiership from backbench Conservatives as MPs prepare to vote on “plan B” measures, including Covid passes for large venues, the extension of mandatory face masks and changes to self-isolation rules.

       It comes after the prime minister warned the country it was facing a “tidal wave” of infections from the omicron variant, and pleaded with colleagues that the new rules were “balanced and proportionate”.

       But dozens of Tory MPs have indicated they will either abstain or vote against the proposals to introduce Covid passes in England, forcing the prime minister to rely on votes from Labour MPs in order to get the measure through the Commons on Tuesday.

       Our political editor Andrew Woodcock and political correspondent Ashley Cowburn have the full story below:

       Boris Johnson faces biggest revolt yet over Covid ‘plan B’ measures Sajid Javid also says Covid pass rules will be tightened in new year to require two jabs and a booster

       Thomas Kingsley 14 December 2021 08:40

       1639470657 Human Rights Act overhaul to make it easier to deport asylum seekers who commit offences

       A controversial overhaul of the Human Rights Act will make it easier to deport asylum seekers who claim the right to a family life to stay in the UK.

       Offenders are expected to lose the ability to mount the defence if they are convicted of any “imprisonable” crime or any “terror-related activity”, under the long-awaited shake-up.

       Dominic Raab, the justice secretary – who has described the current protections as “nonsense” – is determined to restrict the ability of judges to make decisions on a case-by-case basis.

       Our deputy political editor, Rob Merrick, has the full story below:

       Human Rights Act overhaul to make it easier to deport asylum seekers Dominic Raab set to remove ‘right to family life’ defence for any ‘imprisonable’ offence

       Thomas Kingsley 14 December 2021 08:30

       1639469951 No 10 staff ‘warned against destroying relevant information’ over alleged Christmas parties

       Downing Street staff have been told not to “destroy any relevant information” as an investigation into illegal Christmas parties allegedly held at No 10 begins.

       As part of the internal investigation being handled by cabinet secretary Simon Case, Martin Reynolds, the prime minister’s principal private secretary, has written to Downing Street staff telling them to cooperate with the inquiry, ITV News reported.

       Our reporter, Rory Sullivan, has the full story below:

       No 10 staff ‘warned not to destroy relevant information over Christmas parties’ Police will be informed of any potential criminal offences, says PM’s principal private secretary

       Thomas Kingsley 14 December 2021 08:19

       1639469629 Welcome

       Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s politics live blog. We’ll be bringing you all the latest updates from Westminster.

       Thomas Kingsley 14 December 2021 08:13

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