This is the way they’ve been working ever since 2020
First, deny categorically that they would consider a measure (“it’s not how we do things in this country”).
Second, after a period then suggest that “we need to have a conversation about” the measure.
Third, try to bring the measure in. The only thing that will stop them is mass public opposition.
“Covid-1984: Boris Locking Down Britain Before Christmas… Again”
Quote (we’re at step 2):
Responding to a question from a member of the public on possible mandatory vaccinations, Prime Minister Johnson said that while he had said early on in the pandemic that he “didn’t want us to have a society and a culture where we forced people to get vaccinated”, that he believed “there is going to come a point” where “we are going to have to have a conversation about ways in which we deal with this pandemic”.
There is opposition but not enough unfortunately. Most people have not even been swayed by “Santagate”, as this writer accurately describes:
Boris Johnson and his cronies have all of the data, have all the latest updates from their team of crack scientists and medics, and they clearly do not think that Covid is much of a personal risk. It is starkly, uncompromisingly revealed by their actions.