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Tory rebellion looms as PM imposes stricter Covid restrictions

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said "we must act" to avoid another lockdown as virus cases rise in England. But how will he deal with MPs on his benches who say they are being denied a say on Covid policy?

Boris Johnson set out a new "rule of six",Β restricting gatherings to a maximum of six people, enforced by police able to issue fines or make arrests.

Mr Johnson also outlined a "moonshot" plan to control the virus with mass testing, possibly by next spring.

The move comes after the second week in September saw cases rise from 12.5 infections per 100,000 people to 19.7 per 100,000 across the UK.

But the response on the Tory back benches to the increased restrictions has been far from effusive. More than that - Newsnight has learnt there's a looming rebellion.

Political Editor Nick Watt reports.

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4 minutes