Largan column: 'It's a tough situation for all of us in the High Peak'

In his latest column, MP Robert Largan says he shares people's disappointment that Glossopdale has new coronavirus restrictions and insists he'll keep pushing for more information and support from the government so they can be eased as soon as possible.

We are now entering the next phase in the coronavirus crisis. I share everyone’s disappointment that Glossopdale has been placed under new local lockdown restrictions, starting from Wednesday (14 October).

The worrying rising number of coronavirus cases in the area will mean that this week’s announcement is not a surprise, but it is a tough situation for all of us in the High Peak.

Throughout this crisis, we have known that sacrifices had to be made to protect the NHS and save lives. During the first lockdown, everyone clearly understood the direction to stay at home, giving the Government precious time to build up the NHS’s capacity and scale up testing. People need and deserve the same level of clarity of purpose as we follow the new three-tier system of alert levels.

Over the past few weeks, I have been in discussions with the Health Secretary, ministerial colleagues, health experts, and Derbyshire County Council.

In these meetings, I have consistently made the case that the guidance must be clear and proportionate, and further financial support should be made available for jobs and businesses affected by new lockdown restrictions.

Glossopdale is now in Tier 2, the ‘high’ alert level under the new system. This includes all households and businesses in the SK13 postcode district. People in Glossopdale will no longer be able to meet people from outside of their support bubble or childcare bubble indoors.

The rest of High Peak is under Tier 1, the ‘medium’ alert level, which will only be affected by the existing national rules such as ‘the rule of six’ and the 10pm curfew.

Countries across the world are being hit by a second wave of the virus just as we are, but people deserve to know the reasoning behind the decisions being made in Westminster and what the route out of lockdown will be. I will keep pushing for the information we need to help people understand the new lockdown restrictions and help to ease all restrictions as soon as possible.

I am also keeping the pressure on the Government to support businesses affected by lockdown restrictions. It is welcome that the Job Support Scheme has been expanded to cover two-thirds of the monthly salaries of furloughed workers when businesses are forced to close.

Grants for businesses forced to close will also increase up to £3,000 per month. There are vital industries like the business events sector that still need help and it is crucial that no one is left behind.

Across High Peak, people are doing their bit to support the national effort against the virus. I am working round the clock to get the Government to deliver the vital information and support we need to beat this virus and get our area out of lockdown as soon as possible. I know that if we work together, we will get through this.