Atherstone's MP issues statement over latest lockdown restrictions

MP for North Warwickshire Craig Tracey has issued a statement to his constituents on the second national lockdown.

The second lockdown will start today (Thursday, November 5) and was announced by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson last Saturday.

As a result, pubs, restaurants, gyms and non-essential shops will have to close for four weeks until December 2.

Unlike the first national lockdown, schools and universities will remain open.

Parliament voted on the second lockdown yesterday, the Prime Minister won the vote 516 to 39, a majority of 477. Whilst Labour supported the bill, 34 members of the Conservative party did not.

MP for North Warwickshire Craig Tracey, who describes himself "As someone who is naturally sceptical of the wider implementation of lockdown measures" voted in favour of the increased restrictions.

His statement begins by stating the need to find a balance between the impact of the lockdown on both the economy and our health services.

"as more has been learned, treatment has improved and lives have been saved, we need to consider more factors when making our decisions.

"The reason for this is simple. Organisations such as SAGE have only one focus - to stop the virus. At the forefront of their minds aren't other competing issues such as impact on the economy.

"It is for this very reason that you wouldn't put an economist solely in charge of managing the pandemic - their views of a successful outcome are probably very different to those of a scientist."

He then continues by discussing his support for the regional restrictions introduced last month, although he did point out some issues with the model.

"In North Warwickshire where we have seen the greatest rise recently, the increased infection rates are centred around Coleshill, Curdworth and Water Orton, where there can be no coincidence that, although we are in Tier 1, they for the closest border to a Tier 3 area.

"In short, it is very difficult to police movements between areas where people can freely move to work, visit friends and family or to socialise.

Mr Tracey then discussed the worrying increases in Covid cases that we are witnessing, and the impact that this could have on the NHS, whilst we also need to find a way to keep the economy moving.

"As you can see, there are no easy answers to this and it is a very tough call for MPs, particularly when as me, we want people to return to their freedoms and see our local industries back booming."

He then finished his statement by saying "In 28 days time the regulations legally come to an end and further legislation will be needed to be approved by Parliament to extend it - something I have already advised I would not be supporting.

"With your help of observing the rules, together we can bring an end to the needs of lockdowns, giving the very real chance of the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with our loved ones and the prospect of a much brighter 2021."

If you would like to read the statement in full please follow this link.