Hastings MP votes for ‘seemingly authoritarian’ new Covid tier restrictions

The four-week national lockdown ended this morning but a number of parts in the country are facing stricter rules than before.

East Sussex has been placed in Tier 2, which means no household mixing indoors (outside support bubbles), the rule of six applying outdoors, pubs and restaurants closing at 11pm, businesses can only serve alcohol with substantial meals, while many other businesses and other venues can operate in a Covid-secure manner.

The new system was approved by MPs by 291 votes to 78 last night (Tuesday December 1).

Sally-Ann Hart, Hastings and Rye MP, voted with the government but said she had ‘struggled’ over the decision on the new tiering system.

She described how lockdown had prevented many small independent shops from opening, meaning they missed out on retail sales, and stopped people going to churches, gyms and other facilities and amenities.

But she noted government measures around the world had been successful in ‘squashing the curve’ of the virus and reducing the overall death rate.

She added: “It is clear from what we have seen this year that targeted policies that are balanced, taking into account the spread of the disease and economic costs, are needed, and the Prime Minister has listened and made several specific policy changes, such as extending the 10pm curfew and opening up non-essential retail, which will be a lifeline to small independent shops in Hastings and Rye in the run-up to Christmas.

“The Government have made considerable adjustments to the tiering recommendations and, accordingly, they are less detrimental than they might have been for Hastings and Rye, which finds itself in tier 2.

“I want to highlight hospitality businesses, particularly wet pubs, and I am grateful for the extra support for wet pubs promised today by the Prime Minister. I also want to highlight again freelancers and limited company directors, who have been largely excluded from coronavirus support schemes.”

Ms Hart said she believed the restrictions showed the government had put a high price on human life and that was ‘irreproachable’.

She concluded: “On balance, although I rile against the seemingly authoritarian nature of these restrictions, I agree with the Government that these covid measures are needed to reduce infection, subsequent hospitalisation and possible deaths, and to protect our long-term economy.”

Neighbouring MP Huw Merriman, in Bexhill and Battle, voted against the government.