COVID-19: MPs vote to extend coronavirus powers for another six months

MPs have voted to extend the government’s emergency COVID legislation for another six months, after it won by a majority of over 400.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said the measures will only be retained “as long as they are necessary”.

With Labour officially supporting the government, those who voted against the motion include 35 Conservatives, 21 Labour MPs, and 10 Liberal Democrats.

The Coronavirus Act was fast-tracked through parliament in four days in March 2020 to bring in emergency powers to respond to the pandemic as the UK went into its first lockdown.

The temporary measures must be reviewed every six months.

Despite the extension until September the government hope to lift all restrictions by June 21.