Why Harrogate MP is supporting new lockdown in England

New lockdown: Harrogate business leader warns of 'economic crisis'

While recognising the scale of the negative economic impact likely to result from the return of lockdown this Thursday, Andrew Jones MP said action had to be taken to save lives as infection rates continued to rise.

Mr Jones said: "We want to keep our shops open, we want to allow life to continue as it used to.

"The choice is bleak though. If we keep the economy open, doctors tell us lives will be lost as the NHS will be overwhelmed.

"All the choices have health and economic consequences.

"The challenge is to find the route which protects as many lives and livelihoods as possible. Sadly, it will not be all."

Mr Jones' remarks follow criticism about the Government's change of heart on lockdown and the Harrogate MP's previous opposition to a 'circuit breaker' earlier today by local Lib Dem opposition politicians.

Judith Rogerson, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Harrogate & Knaresborough, said the Tories had "dithered, delayed, and ignored expert advice" and had, thereby,"cost lives and jobs".

But Mr Jones said the facts on the ground had forced the change of policy on lockdown measures.

He admitted choosing to reimpose a national lockdown was something to be welcomed reluctanctly and it would inevitably hit the economy.

But, Mr Jones said, the Government had introduced a series of support packages for businesses and employees which he had supported, including an extension of the furloughing scheme until December 2, the target date for ending full lockdown.

He also welcomed the Government's latest move - increasing the support to the self-employed from 40% of trading profits to 80% for November.

Mr Jones said: "Nobody wants restrictions, and they are only introduced reluctantly, but when the data shows cases doubling in days that presents the government with a difficult decision.

“The effect of COVID-19 on our local economy has been and continues to be significant.

"Lockdown will have a further negative impact as it depresses economic activity.

"What we need to do is ensure that local businesses access the support packages available to them so that they can weather this storm.

"To that extent we can have an impact on how our local economy emerges from this tragedy.”

Measures announced by the Government so far and supported by Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough

Extend Furloughing

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – known as the furlough scheme – will be extended until December 2 to cover the new restrictions with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked.

More help for the self-employed

The Government recently announced an extension of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme to support self employed individuals who are experiencing reduced demand or cannot trade due to the effect of coronavirus and announced an increase in the support offered to the self-employed, by doubling the SEISS grant extension from 20% to 40% of trading profits.

The Government had now announced it will provide even more generous support to the self employed, increasing the support to the self-employed from 40% of trading profits to 80% for November.

Extend mortgage holiday

The mortgage holiday will be extended to reassure homeowners. Mortgage payment holidays will no longer end today.

Support businesses forced to close

Business premises which are legally forced to close to receive grants worth up to £3,000 per month in England.

Additional support for local authorities

£1.1 billion will also be provided to Local Authorities to enable them to support businesses.

Blaze of glory: Harrogate bar launches 'Eat Out' discount in final days before lockdown

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