Today, we MPs will be asked to vote on the national lockdown restrictions the Prime Minister outlined on Monday.
As well as playing close attention to local public health data, and representations from businesses, charities, and individuals, I also ran a survey to gather your views. Thank you to the 694 local people who took part. The results are as follows:
54% of people surveyed support the national lockdown
27% oppose the national lockdown
19% are unsure
I can assure you my decision has not been taken lightly, but with everything taken into account, I will be standing up for my constituents today and voting to support the national lockdown.
I know the next four weeks will be difficult for many of us, not least all the local business owners concerned about whether or not they will reopen, and all the employees concerned about whether they will keep their jobs and incomes. I will continue to fight for the best possible financial support from the Government to support local businesses, jobs, and livelihoods.
But I'm also concerned about mental health, an issue you will know is very close to my heart. I am pleased the Government has listened to pleas from many of us and ensured the restrictions allow for support bubbles to continue, and for two people from different households to meet up outdoors, meaning more people will have much needed social contact across the dark winter days. I am also delighted that schools will remain open to ensure children and young people continue to have much needed social interaction for their development, and for their mental health. I am also restarting the Bishop Auckland Coronavirus Angels to provide support to vulnerable people across the next four weeks.
I know some of you will be disappointed with my vote, but I hope you can appreciate I am doing what I believe to be right to keep people across our community safe.
Take care, and together we will get through this.
Dehenna
