On Tuesday (1 December), local MP Robert Largan voted against the Government’s proposed tiered restrictions after High Peak was put into the Very High Alert (Tier 3).
The High Peak MP agrees with the Government decision to replace the national lockdown with more targeted, localised measures. However, the MP opposed High Peak being placed into Tier 3 on the basis of county-wide restrictions.
The MP rebel and send a clear message to ministers that more support is needed for businesses that depend on the Christmas period for a large part of their annual earnings.
The High Peak MP has repeatedly made the case that more support is needed, recently writing to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, calling for more support.
The MP has also written to the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, urging him to look again at the situation in the High Peak and take the area out of Tier 3 restrictions. The tiers are being reviewed every 14 days, with the first review taking place on 16th December.
With a vaccine now approved as both safe and effective by the UK’s independent regulator, Robert will also be working closely with ministers, public health professionals and the local councils to get the vaccine rolled out as fast as possible.
Robert Largan MP commented:
“I’ve always said that I will take an independent-minded approach and put the High Peak ahead of party politics. I strongly disagree with the decision to put High Peak into Tier 3 restrictions. That’s why I voted against the Government.
“It’s essential that we keep the virus under control and prevent the NHS from getting overwhelmed, and I support the principle of localised restrictions. However, placing entire counties under the same restrictions risks turning the tier system into a blunt instrument, undermining public confidence and trust.
“I also wanted to send a clear message to Ministers that more support is needed for businesses that depend on the Christmas period for a large part of their annual earnings.
“My focus is now on providing support out to businesses and individuals who have been affected and making the case to get the High Peak out of Tier 3 as fast as possible.”
