“While I understand the concern of some Conservative MPs from other parts of the country who feel their Covid restrictions are too severe – and I cannot understand Labour’s irresponsible decision not even to bother to vote today – the situation in Staffordshire and Lichfield District is very different” says Michael Fabricant.

“The most recent data show that the Lichfield infection rate per 100,000 is still too high at 169 while the rest of Staffordshire is far higher. In Tamworth it’s 241; in East Staffordshire, it’s 248; and in Cannock it’s 208. Areas in Tier 3 will see these numbers reduce, Tier 2 keeps the infection rate stable, while infection rates will rise slowly in Tier 1.

“Because hospitals in the area are nearing capacity on Covid wards and we are surrounded by areas with very high infection rates, it would be highly irresponsible of me not to support these regulations today.  The situation may have changed by the time the Government reviews the Tier levels in two weeks’ time.

“In voting today, I will be considering not only the livelihoods of my constituents, but their lives too.”