BBC: Gov't Source Expects PM In COBRA Meeting w/Scot, Wal, NI Gov'ts

BBC's Laura Kuenssberg tweets: "Govt source expects Cobra meeting this afternoon with the devolved administrations - Scottish, Welsh and NI govts"

• Almost certainly going to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the UK, with the UK's constituent countries currently implementing COVID-19 rules and guidance at different speeds and severity.
• Yesterday, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called on people not to mix in groups of more than three households and to limit social interaction as much as possible in the run-up to Christmas. This is gov't advice, rather than legally enforcable COVID-19 restrictions. There is no gov't support for businesses impacted by this advice.
• Last night, PM Boris Johnson endured a huge rebellion of Conservative MPs voting against his 'COVID passport' rule. Ninety-nine Conservative MPs voted against the rules, with many more abstaining or not voting. This would be enough to totally wipe out the gov't majority if the opposition Labour Party had not voted in favour of the rules. The size of the rebellion does not mean that Johnson is heading for an immediate leadership challenge, but it certainly will come as a blow to his standing as party leader, and a signal that his previously loyal MPs can no longer have their votes taken for granted.