Why I have been staying in Anglesey home – by MP for Lancashire seat:
FAMILY STAYING ON ISLAND BEFORE THE LOCKDOWN
AN English MP has explained why he and his family have been living on Anglesey during the coronavirus lockdown.
Jake Berry, who is MP for Rossendale and Darwen in Lancashire, has been on Anglesey with his family since February – some weeks before lockdown rules were announced by Boris Johnson on March 23.
A spokesperson for Mr Berry said that, during their stay on Anglesey, a member of his family developed coronavirus symptoms as the lockdown came in.
The family were then said to have “followed NHS advice to self-isolate” on Anglesey. The island’s MP Virginia Crosbie defended her colleague on Facebook following speculation on social media that Mr Berry, a former minister for the Northern Powerhouse scheme, had travelled to the island with his family during the lockdown. Ms Crosbie said the MP and his family have been following Welsh Government guidelines at “their home” in Anglesey.
In a post on Facebook on Wednesday, she wrote: “A few people have been in touch with me regarding the MP Jake Berry living here in the island.
“Mr and Mrs Berry have been living here in the island since February. It is their home.
“They have a very young family, with three children aged three and under.
“The Berrys have been here since before the lockdown was announced – it is their home – and they have assured me that they have followed all Welsh Government guidelines.
“Mr Berry has not left the island since before lockdown back in March.
“I would like to thank all those in the community that have supported the Berrys.”
Rules set out by Boris Johnson tell residents across the UK to remain at their primary residence, and visiting second homes is not permitted.
Mr Johnson said doing so “puts additional pressure on communities and services that are already at risk”.
Despite measures in England being relaxed, with more freedom to leave the home, travel, and exercise, while maintaining social distancing guidelines, rules on visiting second homes remain in place.
The Welsh Government’s advice remains to stay at home.
A spokesperson on behalf of Mr Berry said: “During a visit to Wales, a family member of MrBerrys Started showing signs of coronavirus. This visit was prior to the government decision to lock down.
“They followed NHS advice to self-isolate and were self-isolating as lockdown came in.
“They have stayed in Wales during lockdown and continue to follow government guidelines to stay at home, to protect our NHS and save lives.
“Mr Berry continues to work tirelessly on behalf of his constituents, helping them with the issues that have arisen during the outbreak of coronavirus.”