MP says easing of lockdown restrictions will ‘save jobs and businesses’ in Eastbourne

MP Caroline Ansell said she was ‘delighted’ and ‘relieved’ with Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s easing of coronavirus restrictions, which were outlined in a speech on Tuesday (June 23) in the House of Commons.

The reaction comes after Mr Johnson said in his speech hotels, pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, outdoor gyms, playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks, arcades, libraries, social clubs and community centres can reopen on July 4.

The PM has also tweaked the two metre rule, which will come into effect on July 4.

He said, “Where it is possible to keep two metres apart people should. But where it is not, we will advise people to keep a social distance of one metre plus.”

Conservative MP Mrs Ansell welcomed her boss’s easing of restrictions and said the restarting of the hospitality sector is ‘so important’ for the town.

She said, “This decision will save jobs and businesses in Eastbourne and Willingdon because one in five jobs in our town rely on tourism.

“I am, quite simply, delighted and very relieved. However, as the Prime Minister said in his statement caution must be our watchword because as he added: “The more we open up, the more vigilant we will need to be”.”

Mrs Ansell urged people to continue to wash their hands, wear face masks on public transport and co-operate with the track and trace measures.

She said, “In essence, we need to move out of lockdown safely and slowly and use our common sense to make sure we keep this virus under control because, even though the number of infections has fallen dramatically, it has not gone away.”

Mrs Ansell also said she was ‘particularly pleased’ two households can meet indoors, as long as social distancing is adhered to, and has ‘breathed a sigh of relief’ at the day’s announcement.

She said, “This lockdown has caused real loneliness and heartbreak for families and friends split up for months and this is most welcome but, again, people need to be cautious and use their common sense.

“Like many people I have breathed a sigh of relief at today’s announcement. This easing is sensible, cautious, proportionate and is balancing the need to keep on top of the virus with the need to save jobs and the economy.

“It is not an easy task and I believe there will be setbacks, but it is progress.”

Mrs Ansell said everyone has a part to play in this ‘new normal’ and she urged everyone to do all they can to act ‘responsibly’ and take part in the town’s recovery.

She said, “We need to rebuild confidence in going out again. I stand ready to do all I can to help Eastbourne and Willingdon back on its feet. There is important work locally and in Westminster to do to save our summer and protect jobs and businesses.”