Wiltshire MP 'deeply regrets' new lockdown

The Conservative is a strong supporter of the regional approach under which Wiltshire was in the lowest tier and says it "made sense to try to contain the pandemic in the urban hotpots without locking down rural communities"

But cases across the South West and in Wiltshire are rising and the Devizes MP agrees a national lockdown is the right thing to do to protect the NHS

"I accept that infections are rising sharply in the South West and that, on current trends, within weeks our hospitals will be overwhelmed and unable to treat Covid or any other patients. This is the basis of the case for suppression of the virus."

"The lockdown will not be as strict as the last one (with schools, thankfully, staying open), and it is intended to last only a month. Nevertheless, I know the impact will be very severe for many businesses which have been struggling to emerge from the last forced closure."

Whilst he's welcomed news the furlough scheme will be extended to cover lockdown he wants a new package for the self employed to be fairer.

"The last one, while generous overall was badly targeted, with some people receiving nothing at while others ended up better off than in pre-Covid times."

Mr Kruger says he is 'concerned' about the impact on people's wellbeing and is "particularly distressed that church services, which offer a safe way for people to meet together for spiritual and social solace, will not be running this month."

He wants to hear people's views ahead of the vote in Parliament tomorrow ( Wednesday 4th ) on the restrictions for the second lockdown.

He's hosting two online meetings later today for businesses and local constituents.

You will need to register if you want to join via his website.