Black Country MPs would back third lockdown to curb mutant strain as Tier 4 looms
A potential post-Christmas lockdown would be backed by the region’s MPs as a way of curbing the new strain of coronavirus.
Politicians in the Black Country and Staffordshire expressed their dismay at the possibility of further restrictions – which may come as soon as Boxing Day.
But they have stressed they will support whatever is necessary in order to save lives and stop the NHS from being overwhelmed by the pandemic.
It comes after the Government’s scientific advisers called for another national lockdown and of indications the West Midlands is heading into Tier 4 soon.
A national Gold Command meeting is reported to have yesterday discussed moving the West Midlands into Tier 4 in a bid to curb the rapidly spreading mutant strain.
An announcement on a post-Christmas lockdown could come as soon as Wednesday.
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And Conservative MPs across the region suggested they will continue to support the Government's attempts to protect the NHS.
Stuart Anderson, MP for Wolverhampton South West, said: “I would love never to see a lockdown again, but I don’t want to see more loss of life or the NHS overwhelmed.
“It’s going into uncontrollable territory and I’m very concerned about this new strain and if we have to go into Tier 4 – or a new lockdown – then I understand.
“I don’t want to see that mass loss of life and the strain is already much faster than before, so it’s a huge concern for everyone.
“I want to reiterate that people have sacrificed huge amounts and I’m just asking for everyone to do everything they can to adhere to the rules and stay safe this Christmas.”
Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield, said: “Any MP who does not support a lockdown, if it’s required on unchallenged medical grounds, would be foolhardy and irresponsible.”
Shaun Bailey, MP for West Bromwich West, stressed no concrete decision had been made over any further measures – but urged people to adhere to the current coronavirus guidelines.
He added: “This new virus variant is very concerning but we have to keep moving forward and keep up what we’ve been doing.”
Marco Longhi, MP for Dudley North, said: “My position is that the Government should not rule anything out.
“For me, you have to do whatever is necessary to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed – to prevent Russells Hall from being overwhelmed – by Covid.
“I don’t want a full lockdown – nobody does – and I’m convinced of that, but it depends on ourselves – the virus behaves as we behave and transmits through us.”
Eddie Hughes, MP for Walsall North, said: “I think, certainly in my own experience and in my constituency, people are unhappy at the thought of another lockdown but they are grudgingly accepting of it.“
"If people were being locked down, but the light at the end of the tunnel was brighter – with more vaccines on their way – I’m sure they would understand.”
