Covid tier vote: What your MP said in debate on new restrictions

Cheshire East and West have both been placed in Tier 2 with the expectation that those new restrictions will begin on December 2.

But for that to happen, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will need to win support from enough MPs.

It is likely that the strongest opposition to the measures will come from his own party, with a number of backbench Conservative MPs likely to vote against the restrictions – possibly including Tatton MP Esther McVey, who opposed the second national lockdown.

Two mid Cheshire MPs have so far spoken in the House of Commons on the debate ahead of tonight’s crucial vote.

MIKE AMESBURY, Labour MP for Weaver Vale

Mr Amesbury told the House of Commons he could not support the Government’s measures tonight, as he called for more targeted support for businesses affected, such as pubs.

He told MPs he had been contacted by the Bear’s Paw pub, in Frodsham, where they have ‘introduced every Covid-secure measure under the sun’ and supported the community in hard times – but will not receive enough support at what should be their busiest time of year.

Mr Amesbury said: “As somebody who literally grew up in a pub, I know how much the Christmas trade means to pubs, and very importantly the supply chain, such as breweries.

“I have lost touch with how many variations of business support packages that have been shaped so far – always at the last minute, which makes life and business planning incredibly difficult.

“If our hospitality sector is to survive, and small breweries, we need more support in Tier 2 and Tier 3 areas.

“Scotch eggs, a plate of chips and £32.50 a day will not save the day, save they week or that lost year – so I cannot support the measures put before the house today.”

Mr Amesbury also called for more local test and trace services for councils ‘to get things working and quickly’.

EDWARD TIMPSON, Conservative MP for Eddisbury

Mr Timpson has given his support to the Government’s new measures – although he does have concerns about them.

He told MPs that while it is good news the R number is below 1 and vaccines are on the horizon, measures are still needed and ‘there is a logic’ to the tiered system – although he is not certain that the Government has got it spot on.

Mr Timpson said: “With lockdown ending, the House has to make a decision this evening on the measures now needed to control the virus while enabling as much normality as possible.

“While recognising the often invidious conundrums now facing us, I am not sure in all circumstances that balance is yet right, and I do have real sympathy for those living in some of the apparent anomalies that exist.

“But this continues to be a public health emergency so I will support these regulations, albeit with a similar ask from colleagues that we work together to find the best and most effective path to prosperity.”

In particular, Mr Timpson spoke about the need to support the wedding industry, with celebrations still capped to 15 guests despite indoor conferences now allowed to go ahead in Tier 2 at 50 per cent capacity up to 1,000 people.

He pointed to Northern Ireland, where there is no fixed cap on guest numbers, as a model for success.

Mr Timpson added: “This is decimating what was and can still be, with the right approach by Government, a thriving and growing sector.

“Northern Ireland has shown that socially distanced weddings and receptions are not virus spreaders, so please, please, please – can ministers enable weddings in Cheshire and across the country to operate to socially distanced capacities before it is too late?”

The debate is expected to run until 7pm, with a vote to follow.