Bexhill and Battle MP questions need for national lockdown

In a question in the Commons, Huw Merriman sought evidence from Boris Johnson on why a national lockdown has been chosen over the regional approach.

England will be entering a second lockdown on Thursday (November 5) which will last until at least December 2.

During that time, non-essential shops, gyms, bars, and restaurants will be among businesses forced to close but schools, colleges and universities will remain open.

People will also be urged to stay at home.

Addressing the Prime Minister, Mr Merriman said residents in East Sussex – where Covid hospital admissions remain low – are feeling frustrated by the new measures.

He said: “We have one of the lowest Covid rates of any county across England — admissions for Covid in East Sussex Healthcare Trust is currently 20 and there is not one placed in a high-dependency unit — so the residents have clearly done the right thing, but they are faced with a national lockdown.

“Can the Prime Minister demonstrate to me that the damage that will be caused to East Sussex by locking down — to our economy, our liberty, our lives and our livelihoods — would be a lot worse were we to do absolutely nothing?”

In response, Mr Johnson said choosing between a national lockdown or the increased spread of the virus ‘is a very difficult balance to strike’ but said the medical data is ‘overwhelming’ in support of these extra measures.

He added: “The virus is doubling everywhere, including in East Sussex, and eventually the NHS would be overwhelmed even in East Sussex with, I am afraid, catastrophic consequences.

“We can prevent that by taking the action that we are, and that is why I hope he will support it.”

MPs are expected to vote on the new measures later today (Wednesday, November 4).