'Batten down the hatches again': Regret but realism as Midlands politicians react to Tier 4 blow
MPs and council chiefs across the region have expressed their regret as the Black Country and Staffordshire moved into Tier 4 restrictions.
It was announced in the House of Commons that the region would be put under the strictest measures, as case numbers continued to rise amid the growth of the new virus strain.
Tier 4 restrictions include a warning to stay at home, a limit on household mixing to two people outdoors and force the closure of many shops, hairdressers and gyms.
Worcestershire – which includes Wyre Forest – moves from Tier 2 to 3.
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MPs and council bosses have urged people in the region to stick the guidance – in a hope of moving out of Tier 4 in the coming weeks. But they have added that "hope is on the horizon" with the approval of the Oxford/AstraZenica vaccine.
Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield, said: "I regret as do many others our going into Tier 4, but like most others recognise this was an inevitability. It was clear that Tier 3 could no longer hold back the ever increasing infection from the new strain of coronavirus.
"It will take a few weeks to turn the tide, but with the vaccine around the corner, we will start to see a major recovery to the nation's health in the spring."
Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb said: "Infections rates all around Stourbridge are now so high the Government has had no choice other than to put the West Midlands into Tier 4.
"But the picture is not bleak. The news that the AstraZeneca/University of Oxford vaccine is now approved is great news for 2021 and beyond. It is easier to store and it should allow more people to receive the jab as we look forward to the spring and a return to normality.
"I can only stress that we must do all we can to adhere to these increased restrictions to save lives and protect the NHS while we let the vaccines do their good work. We remain in the grip of the virus but that grip will soon start to loosen as more and more people across the West Midlands receive vaccinations."
'Hope on the horizon'
Pat McFadden, Wolverhampton South East MP, said: "Although this was expected, it still underlines the seriousness of the situation. Infection rates have been growing for weeks and the NHS is under huge pressure.
"I know people are weary but I would encourage everyone to stick by the rules and do what we can to help one another.
"The better news is that there is hope on the horizon with the approval of the Oxford/AstraZenica vaccine. It is important that that is given to as many people as possible in the shortest possible time.”
Dudley North MP Marco Longhi said: "Until these numbers start coming down, until we start seeing hospitals emptying again so they can see people with all sorts of other diseases, which hospitals are probably having to turn away now, then unfortunately we are going to have to start tightening more and more down on the virus, and what we can do.
"There is light at the end of the tunnel. We have already pre-ordered a 100 million of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines, which have now been approved. As there will be two shots per person, that means 50 million people will be vaccinated. That is added to the one we have already ordered from Pfizer. Every single person in the United Kingdom will get vaccinated. It is about getting it done as quickly as possible.
"Batten down the hatches for the next few months really and let's try and free up our hospitals and save people's lives. And then the vaccine is available to everyone."
Warley MP John Spellar said: "There is clearly a spike in infections and we need to get the vaccine rolled out as quickly as possible in Sandwell.
"This will cause even more disruption and the Government unfortunately do not know what they are doing and the impact they are having on society and the economy."
Ian Brookfield, the leader of Wolverhampton Council, said: "We are so close to the end, it's great news the AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved, but unless we get the numbers down we are going to lose many more people.
"This could be the last big effort but we have to be as strict as we were with the first one. We have to present thousands of people in our city.
"It is hard for families and businesses. I would urge the Government to look once again at small businesses employing tens of thousands of people in our city. Unless the Government is happy to lose them, they have to support them."
Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said: "It's disappointing but the law is the law and we have to comply with it. I hope people get the message that this thing has not gone away, and realise they have got to abide by the laws as many people aren't.
"Tier 4 restrictions are an example of what happens when you don't comply. There are concerns about hospitals, including the Manor and the Queen Elizabeth. Some people will no doubt ignore the rules but they will do so at their peril."
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley Council's cabinet member for public health, said: "It’s vital we are all vigilant and we all play our part. We should stay at home and follow these rules to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities."
Councillor Maria Crompton, Sandwell Council's deputy leader, added: "Covid-19 can be a fatal illness and it is vital we all do what we can to stop the spread and in particular protect our most vulnerable residents."
