John Baron MP supports Government coronavirus measures

MP says first duty of Government is to protect life

Today the House of Commons is voting on whether to implement or maintain a number of coronavirus restrictions, such as the three tiers announced by the Prime Minister yesterday and the 10.00pm closure for hospitality venues. John Baron MP will be voting with the Government.

John said,

“The coronavirus is once again on the rise across the country, including in Essex. The Government has a clear obligation to save as many lives as possible by slowing the spread of this virus, which is why these restrictions are unfortunately necessary.”

“This includes the 10.00pm curfew for hospitality venues. I acknowledge this measure in particular arouses strong feelings, and it is true that the evidence underpinning this measure is not thoroughly robust. However, there are a growing number of studies, both in this country and abroad, which suggest that the hospitality sector does lead to transmissions, which is why other countries are also taking similar steps. Spain, Denmark, France, Germany and the Netherlands have all recently seen curfews applied to the food and beverage sectors.”

“The Government has to strike a difficult balance between keeping our society open and our economy moving on the one hand and controlling the spread of the virus on the other. Ultimately the first duty of Government is to protect life, and it is right that the Government does this whilst also prioritising essential activity such as keeping schools open.”