MP ‘reluctantly supports’ new rules as fresh strain detected

Ashford residents have been forced to deal with the realities of Tier 4 restrictions along with the rest of Kent this week.

The town’s MP Damian Green says he “reluctantly” supports the move, adding the government was “forced to move very fast” to contain the new Covid variant.

“Ministers were only told at the end of last week how fast it was spreading and that it was a new variant that was the cause,” Theresa May’s former deputy told the Kentish Express on Monday.

“Within 24 hours they had imposed Tier 4. Reluctantly, I do support it having been faced with the figures and looking at the graph.

“We have seen it in Ashford particularly, the numbers have gone through the roof, and so drastic action must be taken.”

Before Tier 3 restrictions were imposed after the second lockdown, Mr Green had argued that if people did not feel the rules were fair, they wouldn’t obey

them.

However, he said he felt residents would listen to the recent announcement given the severity of the new strain.

“I think I am hopeful that people will listen - anyone can see that our own local figures have gone up exponentially,” he explained.

“The fact is that while it would be nice to think that we will be out of this very quickly it doesn’t look very likely.

“The rescue will come in the form of the vaccine, which thankfully is coming on efficiently; nevertheless, it will be a couple of months at least I fear.”

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson (Con) described the situation as “a testing time”, but said residents should “work together” to get through this struggle.

“ABC continues to work closely with Public Health England and other partners to respond to the changing restrictions and aims to support residents, our staff and businesses as much as we can,” he said.

“We must all heed the message to stay at home to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

“This is a difficult and challenging time, especially as we approach the festive season when thoughts turn to seeing our loved ones again and businesses seek to make the most of what is traditionally a critical time of the year for them.

“But by working together we shall prevail and come out of this period stronger together.”

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‘The rescue will come in the form of the vaccine, which thankfully is coming on efficiently; nevertheless, it will be a couple of months at least I fear’ - Damian Green

An empty Park Mall car park - which is now owned by ABC - as tough Tier 4 restrictions hit Kent

Ashford Borough Council leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson (Con) has described the situation as “a testing time”

Damian Green says the Covid numbers have “gone through the roof” in Ashford