York Outer MP Julian Sturdy votes IN FAVOUR of new tiers system
He says it was a reluctant vote, calling for the tiers to be reviewed regularly
Julian Sturdy has voted in favour of the new coronavirus regulations BUT insists he did so reluctantly.
The York Outer MP has criticised the measures before but in the House of Commons last night (Tuesday, 1 December), he voted for the new tier system.
The measures - which replace the second national lockdown - were backed by 291 votes to 78.
But dozens of Tory backbenchers rebelled.
For Mr Sturdy, he concluded 'voting in favour was the safest decision for York',.
However he added that he would like the tier system to be reviewed regularly which would hopefully see York move into tier one.
His statement in full:
“After long and careful thought, I very reluctantly decided to vote for the new tiers system tonight.
I am painfully aware of the social and economic harm that the continued restrictions are doing, and am voting on the explicit basis of clear commitments I have been given after a lengthy conversation today with the Chancellor, as well as hearing from the Prime Minister. I have been assured that within weeks the system will be revised to create more localised tiers based on council areas, which should allow York to move to a tier position more consistent with its lower virus rate. I am taking them at their word on this, and if we do not get significant changes to the system to get York into Tier 1, I have put Ministers on notice that I will vote against any extension of this system.
To be frank, the easy option would have been to vote against, in the knowledge that the measures would still go through, and then the government would not need to work to retain my support for the next stage. I believe by giving the Government the benefit of the doubt now, I am making the better decision for our community by ensuring I retain leverage over the Government at the next stage.
I am very unhappy to be given a binary choice by the government tonight between this system or no restrictions, but given this stark decision, I concluded that voting in favour was the safest decision for our city.”