Coronavirus: Senior Tory urges MPs to join anti-lockdown campaign demanding ‘life as normal’

US-led ‘Great Barrington Declaration’ attacks ‘irreparable damage’ from restrictions - calling for 'herd immunity’ instead

A senior Conservative is urging fellow MPs to join a new campaign against the “irreparable damage” from Covid-19 restrictions – demanding a return to “life as normal” for most people.

The open challenge, mounted by ex-minister Steve Baker, underlines the growing Tory backlash against the measures – even as they are likely to be tightened further as infections soar.

Launched in the United States, The Great Barrington Declaration calls instead for “focused protection” for high-risk people, while the majority are granted full freedoms “until we reach herd immunity”.

Music, sport and other cultural activities should “resume”, pubs and restaurants should be open and younger adults should “work normally, rather than from home”.

It has been signed by infectious disease epidemiologists and public health scientists at home and abroad, including Sunetra Gupta, an Oxford University professor and leading government critic.

The campaign reaches the UK after the government saw off a small Tory revolt against the Rule of 6 – but with a much tougher fight over the 10pm pubs curfew looming.

Speaking to The Independent, Mr Baker called it “a credible plan B”, saying: “It may be that there won’t be a vaccine or, if it comes, it may not do what is hoped.

“In either case, we need a plan B and this is the only credible plan B, supported by a wide range of specialists in their subjects.”

Mr Baker, who quit Theresa’s May’s government over Brexit policy, said he knew of other MPs and peers who were joining the campaign and predicted their number would grow.

“I am determined that politicians in both Houses and parties should demonstrate their support for another way,” he vowed.

The Declaration claims support “from both the left and right” against “the damaging physical and mental health impacts of the prevailing Covid-19 policies”.

Outlining the alternative of “focused protection”, it states: “Those who are not vulnerable should immediately be allowed to resume life as normal.

“Simple hygiene measures, such as hand washing and staying home when sick should be practiced by everyone to reduce the herd immunity threshold

“Schools and universities should be open for in-person teaching. Extracurricular activities, such as sports, should be resumed. Young low-risk adults should work normally, rather than from home.

“Restaurants and other businesses should open. Arts, music, sport and other cultural activities should resume

“People who are more at risk may participate if they wish, while society as a whole enjoys the protection conferred upon the vulnerable by those who have built up herd immunity.”

Meanwhile, in the Commons, 17 MPs – including 14 Conservatives – staged a revolt against the Rule of 6, most criticism focused on the inclusion of children in England, but not in Scotland, allowing larger families to meet there.

Helen Whately was asked to produce evidence it was working, Christopher Chope saying: “We shouldn’t be introducing draconian powers without the strongest possible justification.”

A larger revolt is expected next week over the 10pm pubs’ shutdown – which Labour is also unconvinced about – but the rebels fear they will still lack the numbers to inflict a defeat.