West Dorset's MP to vote against delay in lifting lockdown restrictions

Chris Loder claims there's 'no significant evidence' to support it

Author: Maria GreenwoodPublished 16th Jun 2021

West Dorset's MP says it's not in Dorset's interest to continue with the lockdown restrictions.

Conservative Chris Loder claims there is "no significant evidence" which would support a four week delay.

Boris Johnson announced on Monday the next step of his roadmap is being paused - until July 19th.

It's because of rising case numbers of the Delta variant - first identified in India.

Many Conservative MP's don't support the Prime Minister over this decision.

Its being discussed in the House of Commons this afternoon, followed by a vote.

In a statement to Greatest Hits Radio Dorset, West Dorset MP Chris Loder has set out his position and its at odds with the government.

"Without some significant evidence to support the extension of lockdown restrictions, it is not in Dorset's interests to continue these restrictions any further and I therefore cannot vote in support of this extension if it comes to the House for a vote.

"We are going to have to live with this virus. We cannot go on penalising sensible and responsible people here in Dorset, especially those who are older and vaccinated and when the case rate is only 3.6 cases per hundred thousand in the over 60s.

"As of last week, throughout Dorset, we have just one person who is poorly in hospital with Covid. It has almost been two months since anyone has died from covid in Dorset.

"Public Health England are not talking about the real health issues that we experience such as making sure that older people can see their Doctor in person if they need to, get access to Dentists, get progress with routine operations and make sure we get people make to daily life."

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