Have your say: Are you pleased the Rule of Six is staying?

Despite a backbench rebellion, Boris Johnson has secured the votes to ensure the controversial “rule of six” regulations remain in place in England.

Twelve Conservatives voted against the regulations and several others abstained after voicing concerns during a tense debate in the Commons.

They questioned the rationale behind children not being exempt from the government’s restriction, which bans social gathering of more than six people.

Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, asked whether the government had considered a “rule of eight” instead, and Tory Huw Merriman said he could not vote in favour of the motion because he fears the rule of six will “do more harm than good”.

Tory former minister Steve Baker said: “This is a devastating social impact on our society and I believe that people would make different choices were they the ones able to take responsibility for themselves.”

However, the motion on the regulations was approved by 287 votes to 17, majority 270, with Labour abstaining.

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