Harrogate and Knaresborough MP backs new government restrictions

Boris Johnson has announced a series of tough measures to restrict the spread of coronavirus and says they could be in place for six months, which has been backed by fellow Conservative MP, Andrew Jones.

The Harrogate and Knaresborough MP told our reporters that he know the restrictions will have caused some upset among the public, but added that it was the right decision.

He said: "The announcements have been a very significant moment. The restrictions were inevitable but introduced with I think so regret.

"No government in Britain takes away the liberties of the people without giving it some thought. They've certainly done it with a heavy heart, too."

The Prime Minister made an announcement in the House of Commons yesterday and set out some new rules, including the number of people you can have at weddings and working from home if you can.

When asked about working from home, Mr Jones, said: "I'd much prefer to be out there, talking to people, going down to Parliament and speaking in debates, but we are where we are. We have to take action to curb the spread of this virus."

"We know what that means; it means working from home where we can and we know we can do that because we've done it for the last few months."

Another turning point in the restrictions includes all pubs and restaurants to have a curfew which comes into force tomorrow.

That means all those in hospitality must close their doors from 10pm and ask visitors to leave the premises.

But this has been met with more worries, as people could choose to congregate outside buildings in the street and cause the virus to spread more.

Mr Jones, said: "I recognise there could be clusters at different times, but that can happen at anytime when there is a closure. There has to be a closure at some point.

I think there is a risk, but quite frankly I trust the people of Harrogate and Knaresborough to get on and do this properly. "

Here's the full list of everything the Prime Minister announced:

Weddings and funerals

Wedding ceremonies and receptions will be capped at 15 people from Monday.

30 people will still be allowed to attend funerals.

Here's what Boris said:

“Now is the time to tighten up the rule of six. I’m afraid that from Monday a maximum of 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, though up to 30 can still attend a funeral as now."

Watching and playing sport

The rule of six which was introduced last week will now apply to all indoor team sports.

Mr Johnson also said that re-introducing spectators at sporting events was not going to go ahead as planned:

“Finally we have to acknowledge that the spread of the virus is now affecting our ability to reopen business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events, so we will not be able to do this from 1st October.”

He added: “These rules will be enforced by tighter penalties… the penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will now double to £200 for a first offence.”

Work from home if you can

Boris Johnson said people who can work from home should do so.

He told MPs: “First, we are once again asking office workers who can work from home to do so. In key public services and in all professions where home working is not possible, such as construction or retail, people should continue to attend their workplaces.”

He added: “Second, from Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate a table service only, except for takeaways. Together with all hospitality venues, they must close at 10pm.

“And to help the police enforce this rule that means, alas, closing not just calling for last orders, because simplicity is paramount.”

Going to the pub

Pubs, bars and restaurants in England will be ordered to close by 10pm each night from Thursday.

Pubs, bars and restaurants will also be restricted to table service only.

Customers in indoor hospitality will also have to wear face coverings – except while seated at a table to eat or drink.

Going to the shops and using taxis

Face coverings must be worn in taxis and private hire vehicles, and by retail staff while at work.

Restrictions could be in place for six months

Boris Johnson said that the restrictions announced could remain in place for “perhaps six months”.

He told the Commons: “I fervently want to avoid taking this step, as do the devolved administrations but we will only be able to avoid it if our new measures work and our behaviour changes.

“We will spare no effort in developing vaccines, treatments, new forms of mass-testing but unless we palpably make progress we should assume that the restrictions that I have announced will remain in place for perhaps six months.

“For the time being, this virus is a fact of our lives and I must tell the House and the country that our fight against it will continue.”

Deaths will rise without action

Boris Johnson has warned daily deaths from Covid-19 will increase unless action is taken.

The Prime Minister told MPs: “In the last fortnight daily hospital admissions in England have more than doubled.

“Tens of thousands of daily infections in October would, as night follows day, lead to hundreds of daily deaths in November and those numbers would continue to grow unless we act.”

On Tuesday the chief medical and science advisers warned that cases of coronavirus are rising and that it could lead to 200 deaths a day if left unchallenged