Victoria Atkins MP responds to ‘Tier 3’ decision

In a statement this afternoon, Ms Atkins said: “Lincolnshire will fall under Tier 3 (Very High) restrictions when the period of national restrictions end on 2nd December.

“The Government recognises that there has been an overall improvement in Lincolnshire.

“However, Covid-19 rates remain high throughout the county and our local NHS is still under pressure, particularly for units treating the more serious cases.

“I understand that these restrictions are difficult for constituents and businesses and I want to thank everyone for the sacrifices they have and continue to make.

“I recognise this particularly affects the hospitality sector, and I will press the importance of support.”

Ms Atkins added: “The Government will review tiers every two weeks so we must keep up the adherence to the government guidance (...) so we can suppress the virus and move down from the highest tier as quickly as possible.”

In the neighbouring constituency of Boston and Skegness, Matt Warman MP added: “I know how difficult today’s news will be for people.

“I am hugely grateful to everyone who has obeyed the rules and, through no fault of their own, will still find themselves bound by such restrictions.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel in the form of promising vaccine developments, but in the meantime we must pull together to make it through this winter period. “We all have a personal and collective responsibility to our friends, family and neighbours.”

However, another neighbouring MP - Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) - tweeted to say he was ‘very disappointed’ with the Government’s decision.

Sir Edward said: “I’m very disappointed all of Lincolnshire is being included in Tier 3.

“Infection spikes have been highly localised, and it would make much more sense to impose tiers at the district level rather than county.

“Those unaffected should be allowed to get on with their lives and work.”