London Tory MPs oppose city-wide curbs

Conservative MPs have criticised the decision to impose heightened coronavirus restrictions throughout London as they joined businesses in calling for more financial support.

The government faced a backlash from Tories representing constituencies in the capital ahead of Tier 2 rules banning household mixing indoors coming into force tomorrow.

In the capital, nearly nine million people who live in London and the millions of commuters who swell the city will be prohibited from mixing indoors, including in pubs and restaurants.

The move was a major blow to businesses that are already reeling due to the faltering economy and national lockdown earlier this year.

Former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith was among the Tory MPs urging Number 10 to “look again” at the London-wide decision in a Commons debate, highlighting “big disparities” between the infection rates in different boroughs.

Senior Conservative Sir Bob Neill, who is the MP for Bromley and Chislehurst, told Sky News: “I think it’s a mistake. I think it’s disproportionate for the whole of London.”

He called for more support for the ailing hospitality sec tor and argued areas in the southeast, such as his own constituency, have “very much lower” rates than others in the capital.

While the capital’s sevenday average for new cases stands at 97 per 100,000 people, the rate varies hugely between boroughs.

Ealing is the worst- hit borough with 145 new cases per 100,000 in the week up to October 10, while Bexley is the lowest on 69.

Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond questioned on BBC Radio 4’s The World At One whether the government had made the case for the “very, very broad sweep... London-wide lockdown”.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs a “borough-by-borough approach” was considered but ministers decided against it because “cases are rising throughout the capital”.

Tory MP Nickie Aiken, who represents the Cities of London and Westminster, was also among those joining Labour politicians including London Mayor Sadiq Khan in calling for financial support.

“Many of our businesses are already on their knees, and I urge the government to consider further support before they disappear for good,” she said.

London Chamber of Commerce chief executive Richard Burge said: “Hospitality businesses are between the rock and hard place.

“Their trade is impacted by the restrictions, yet there’ s not sufficient support available to help them to stay open.”

Masked-up visitors outside Buckingham Palace in London, where new rules are due.