Harrogate MP in fierce clash with Liberal Democrats as they row over second lockdown

Harrogate's MP and local Liberal Democrats have traded barbs in a fierce row over the government's lockdown announcement at the weekend.
Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson Judith Rogerson and Harrogate MP Andrew Jones.Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson Judith Rogerson and Harrogate MP Andrew Jones.
Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson Judith Rogerson and Harrogate MP Andrew Jones.

Conservative Andrew Jones has gone head-to-head with opposition councillors after they criticised the government for not introducing stricter measures sooner to bring down the rate of Covid infections.

The Liberal Democrats said ministers have "dithered, delayed, and ignored expert advice" and also questioned how Mr Jones could support the second shutdown “with a straight face” after he last month said the move would be "wrong".

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Mr Jones hit back at the criticism, saying that immediate action was needed because the situation has worsened with Covid cases and hospitalisations rising rapidly.

"We can only work on the figures and facts we have at the time to make decisions," he said. "The virus is spreading quicker than the scientists projected, with the number of cases doubling in time-scales measured in days not weeks.

"What is right now will not necessarily be right in two, four or six weeks time.

“What is clear is that tens of thousands of people have died. Thousands more are likely to die. Many are going to be left with long-term health problems.

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"Many are facing financial hardship. And how do our local Liberal Democrats respond? They issue a press release having a go at me. I think it is time they grew up a little bit.”

Judith Rogerson, parliamentary spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats in Harrogate and Knaresborough, criticised the government for ignoring scientific advice to introduce a two-week 'circuit breaker' lockdown at the end of October.

Ministers said the decision was made in balance against the impact on the economy and society, but Mrs Rogerson said the "longer and tougher" lockdown that the nation is now facing will be "a dreadful blow" for families and businesses before Christmas.

She added: "It is absolutely crucial that the next four weeks are used to sort out the broken track, trace and isolate system. The government must not squander this opportunity if it is serious about saving lives and livelihoods."

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MP Andrew Jones responded: “It is a very easy time for politicians to pretend there are easy solutions particularly when they have no responsibility for taking any decisions.

"It is difficult though to take people seriously when they argued for a national lockdown while simultaneously arguing that our area should remain in the lowest tier of restrictions, even arguing for a national lockdown whilst telling the hospitality sector they wanted their restrictions lifted. And this was at a time when the figures did not merit change."

Pubs, restaurants, gyms and non-essential shops will have to close for four weeks from Thursday under the national lockdown.

But unlike the restrictions in spring, schools, colleges and universities can stay open.

After 2 December, the government said restrictions will be eased and regions will go back to the tiered system.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter