‘What has lockdown achieved?’: MP critical of decision to put Hampshire in Tier 2

Winchester MP Steve Brine has criticised the decision to put Hampshire in Tier 2 when lockdown ends.

The new restrictions Hampshire will be under after lockdown will affect hospitality, transport and how many people you can meet.

Steve Brine told WINOL: “I wasn’t a fan of the second national lockdown. I thought we should have given the tier system a chance to work, so I’m pleased that we are moving back to the tier system.

“But after a month of full national lockdown, Winchester entered in Tier 1, coming out in Tier 2. So I would be, I think, entitled to ask exactly what has this lockdown achieved, other than closing plenty of non-essential businesses, costing people there their livelihoods, and many people their jobs.

“And I’m going to need a lot of convincing that these proposals will save more lives than they will cost before I support them in the House of Commons.”

Hospitality venues will have to operate as a restaurant to remain open, and alcohol can only be served with a substantial meal.

Unlike before lockdown, hospitality venues can stay open until 11pm, but with last orders at 10pm.

People can’t meet anyone outside their bubble indoors, and are encouraged to avoid public transport and travel to Tier 3 areas unless necessary.

Leader of Hampshire County Council and Chair of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board, Councillor Keith Mans said that the decision to place Hampshire in Tier 2 was not unexpected, and encouraged people to follow the restrictions.