'Strong case' for north Derbyshire entering Tier 2 before Christmas says MP

Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, has confirmed he will be pushing for the area to be moved into Tier Two ‘at the earliest possible opportunity’.

Parliament voted for a three-tiered system of local restrictions to replace the national lockdown earlier this week.

Derbyshire has been placed in the strictest Tier Three of local restrictions – meaning shops can reopen, gyms and leisure centres can get going again and communal worship is permitted.

However, large parts of the hospitality sector must remain closed until the Government reviews the tiering allocations again on December 16.

Conservative MP Mr Rowley said: “None of us want to be in this situation and I am as frustrated as everyone about the continuing need for restrictions on daily life.

“The end is in sight on this and normal life will return in 2021 – but this last heave is going to be a long and tough one.

"To minimise the risks around coronavirus, I accept, on a temporary basis, that we have to keep some form of restrictions in place.”

Mr Rowley says he shares the frustration many feel that Derbyshire is in Tier Three.

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“Last week, I made a case to Government and Ministers to consider putting us in Tier Two,” he added.

"The truth, though, was that our number of cases – whilst starting to fall from the highs of early November – were really too high for that to happen and it wasn’t unexpected when Tier Three was announced.”

“What we can do now, though, is try to get into Tier Two at the earliest possible opportunity. If case rates continue to fall, we should be able to make a strong case and I will be arguing for that to happen.

"I have already spoken to Government and Ministers in advance of the first fortnightly review of the tiers on December 16 and will continue to do so over the coming weeks.

“My priority remains, as always, to ensure that the Royal can cope and that the people of North East Derbyshire are safe whilst enjoying as much of their daily lives as possible.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.