Fifty-three Conservatives opposed the tiering plan last December, the largest Covid-related rebellion to date.
MPs know only too well that there is a limit to the protection that they can receive – or create for themselves and their families.
“We all have to be really aware and keep our wits about us”, but “we’ve got a job to do”.
The Government won the division during yesterday’s consideration of the Trade Bill by 18 votes.
This rebellion had little in common with most others, but the names of many who oppose the Government now show a certain predictability.
The tellers for the Noes were Christopher Chope and Chris Green. The last major Tory rebellion against Government Covid policy was 53 strong.
They included seven former Cabinet Ministers, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and the Chairman of the 1922 Executive Committee.
Meanwhile, the Government has quietly been appointing more trade emissaries during the last few months.
What must come first is the need to get on with Brexit in an orderly way. That requires a new Prime Minister and Cabinet quickly.
Their reaction suggests that Cameron’s vow of more powers to Scotland is unacceptable to the Parliamentary Party as it stands.