Hastings and Rye MP believes second lockdown is necessary

Sally-Ann Hart said she would only support the new measures if she felt they were ‘absolutely necessary’, which she believes they now are.

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.

Covid-19 infection rates and hospital admissions across East Sussex remain low, but local directors of public health and leaders at local authorities and hospitals believes rates are increasing across the county.

Mrs Hart said: “It is clear to me from the briefings I have received from the local Director of Public Health, Leaders of local authorities and the hospital, that we need to take action now to quell the rise in infection rates across East Sussex.

“We do have low rates at present, but they are beginning to increase across all age groups. Local leaders of public health are clear that they are anxious that the impact on local hospitals, if we keep non-Covid services operating, could be overwhelmed in the coming weeks, as last year they were almost at capacity during the winter months without any Covid patients. With this evidence, I believe it is time to take action and that these new national restrictions, although regrettable, are the right ones to take now.

“I appreciate and understand the anger, frustration and upset this will cause local businesses and residents, but the government is providing unprecedented financial support to help through this next month. I, and no elected representative, would ever want to support such restrictions unless it was absolutely necessary, and I believe it is necessary now.”

Mrs Hart’s comments come after Bexhill and Battle MP questioned the need for a national lockdown when infection rates are still relatively low in East Sussex.

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