MP opposes third lockdown

blackmorevaleJanuary 25, 20210 Comment0

A little over three weeks ago, The House of Commons overwhelmingly approved retrospectively, by 524 votes to 16, a third national lockdown for England, regulations of which could last until March 31.

Boris Johnson said he had ‘no choice’ but to impose the draconian measures in a bid to control the new variant of SARS-CoV-2, which is rampant in many parts of the country. But in a somewhat surprise move, Somerton and Frome MP David Warburton voted against the third national lockdown, saying he was “deeply uncomfortable in supporting restrictions which will in themselves directly cause such personal, economic and social harm for their constituents and for our country.”

As each day passes, we are informed of cases rising, the new and more transmissible variant of SARS-CoV-2, increasing hospitalisations and predictions of appalling death rates. “Given all this, I fully appreciate that my vote against the current lockdown may seem unexpected,” said Mr Warburton. “I very much understand the enormous pressure under which the Government is operating, and applaud many of the mitigation measures that have been implemented so far. But, knowing that the vote and the regulations would pass, I felt strongly that the Government needed to know that there are still, small voices who have serious concerns, who would advocate a different approach, and who are deeply uncomfortable in supporting restrictions which will in themselves directly cause such personal, economic and social harm for their constituents and for our country.”

In a letter to the New Blackmore Vale, Mr Warburton said the crucial question is what cost restrictions would have on lives, livelihoods, businesses, mental health and to all non- covid related health issues. “It’s imperative that these factors are weighed in the balance against the likely lives saved from those same restrictions.”

Mr Warburton said: “Everyone who attends hospital is now tested – itself, of course, a terrifically important step. Those who test positive are reported statistically as hospital covid patients, whether they were asymptomatic; whether they attended hospital for a broken ankle or regular cancer treatment. Naturally, when we then hear of hospitals managing thousands of covid patients, such reporting will concern us all and lead the Government to seek to act.”

“Every death, for whatever reason, is tragic and shocking. Even to write about it – and, especially to do so in terms of data and numbers – belittles and minimises the personal loss which we all feel. We should allow the vulnerable to isolate and protect themselves, as with any other virus – no one suffering from flu goes to visit and then embrace elderly relatives. These are the people at risk. They must be protected. But those not at risk have, I believe, little reason not to resume a normal existence, however much adapted to ensure safety and minimise risk.”

“Above all, we must now do everything possible to ensure that those most vulnerable receive both their doses of the vaccine as quickly as possible. We have led the world on this front, and we must now light the way out of this pandemic. And, once the vaccine has been provided to those most vulnerable, there is no reason for us to continue with the restrictions.”

The New Blackmore Vale contacted NHS England but had not received a comment at the time of going to press.