A number of our region's MPs vote against Government's Plan B
Health bosses in the West Country are urging everyone to continue taking sensible precautions - after new restrictions were voted through last night.
Last updated 15th Dec 2021
A number of West Country MPs voted against the Government last night, as health bosses in the region work to expand the covid booster roll-out to more sites.
The region's NHS are currently increasing capacity at existing places, as more people follow the official advice to get a booster.
Last night Boris Johnson's leadership was questioned by some of his own Conservative colleagues - after almost 100 of his MPs rebelled against one of his key Plan B measures.
The list included Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown, The Cotswolds, Liam Fox, North Somerset, Marcus Fysh, Yeovil, Mark Harper, Forest of Dean, Simon Jupp, East Devon, Chris Loder, West Dorset, Anthony Mangnall, Totnes, John Penrose, Weston Super Mare , Laurence Robertson, Tewkesbury and David Warburton, Somerton and Frome.
Nearly a third of his MPs voted against the introduction of mandatory Covid passes in nightclubs and large venues, with many saying they were unhappy about the way Mr Johnson was leading the country and his party.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, treasurer of the 1922 Committee, said that a leadership challenge has "got to be on the cards" for Mr Johnson in the new year if he did not change the way he worked with his MPs.
The introduction of Covid passes in England went through parliament - but only because Labour supported it.
Those rules - for nightclubs and events like sport matches and music concerts - come into effect today.
In Somerset, away from Parliament, work has continued to roll-out the booster jab to people following the increase in omicron cases.
Professor Trudi Grant, Director of Public Health for Somerset County Council, said:  “While the emergence of a new Covid variant was expected, the scientific community is working urgently to understand the impact of Omicron with regards to vaccines, treatments and transmissibility. 
“We continue to work closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and regional partners to provide public health advice and support to people who have been identified as close contacts of cases of Omicron. UKHSA is the lead agency for responding to cases of Omicron Covid19. The global community is still learning about this new variant and its potential impacts."
Councillor Clare Paul, Somerset County Council member for Health and Wellbeing said: “It is more important than ever that everyone continues to take sensible precautions and follow the national measures that are in place.
“That means washing hands regularly, wearing face coverings when required, taking lateral flow tests before a period of high risk such as visiting a family member or attending an event, getting both doses of your vaccine, and booking your booster when you are able. If you have any symptoms of Covid, you should self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test.”
"Covid-19 continues to pose challenges to our community both here in the South-West and across the UK, making it as important as ever that we look after our mental and physical health. Mindline Somerset is a confidential listening service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their volunteers offer a friendly ear, and can provide help or support with emotional health and wellbeing. The number to call is 01823 276 892. In addition, Healthy Somerset is a website full of ideas on how to stay healthy, happy and safe while at home.
"For self-isolation support, please contact our Coronavirus Helpline on 0300 790 6275. The helpline is open from 8am to 6 pm every day, including weekends."