Chesterfield MP's concern after announcement area will be in Tier 3 restrictions

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons on Thursday that most places will be in the middle level – Tier 2 – including London.

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But several areas, including the whole of Derbyshire, will be in the highest level – Tier 3.

Mr Perkins said: “This is disastrous news and MPs have had no say in what happens in their area.

“Government failures on testing and delayed lockdown have led us here.

“Businesses and jobs must be better protected if we expect them to be there after Christmas.”

A Government statement setting out the reasoning behind the tier decisions for each area says of Derbyshire: “There has been improvement in this area, but case rates remain very high at 275 per 100,000, and in those over 60 it is 220 per 100,000. The pressure on the local NHS remains high.”

Under the Tier 3 restrictions, people will only be able to meet other households in outdoor public spaces like parks, where the rule of six applies.

Pubs and bars in Tier 3 areas will only be able to offer takeaways and delivery.

Gyms and close-contact beauty services like hairdressers will be able to open in all tiers.

The new tiers will replace England's current second national lockdown from December 2.

The system will be regularly reviewed and an area's tier level may change before Christmas – the first review is scheduled for December 16.

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