MP hits back in surgery argument
A ROW has erupted over a Valley MP arranging face-to-face street surgeries, amid opposition claims they could spread Coronavirus.
Sara Britcliffe, MP for Haslingden, was due to hold a surgery on December 28 in Knuzden – but it has since been cancelled.
Miss Britcliffe had planned the 30-minute surgery alongside her father Peter, a Lancashire County Councillor, as part of a campaign to introduce speed reduction measures.
In a letter to constituents dated December 18 the Conservative MP invited residents to talk to her and her father.
Labour slammed the “cavalier” move, claiming it could pose an unnecessary risk.
However, Miss Britcliffe insists she was in the process of cancelling the surgery when news of the new Covid variant strain broke, and says the event will now take place over Zoom.
Former Labour MP for Haslingden Graham Jones said: “As an MP you are there to encourage wellbeing.
“To be seen to be setting an example, not taking a cavalier approach especially with the new more virulent strain.
“Ms and Mr Britcliffe should cancel these street surgeries and apologise for sending out the wrong public message.”
He also said that it was Labour’s policy not to hold in-person surgeries.
In response Sara Britcliffe said: “I invited residents to a street surgery, which is in line with Covid guidelines, before we became aware of the new strain of the Coronavirus.
“In light of this news I had taken the decision to cancel and was in the process of informing residents.
“The surgery will now be taking place on Zoom, but the problem with speeding traffic is not going away and I am doing my utmost to work on behalf of my constituents.”
She also hit back at her Labour critics, adding: “Rather than playing politics as usual, it would be more beneficial for them to put their energies towards improving our community.”