Bob Seely, Member of Parliament for the Isle of Wight, has explained how he intends to vote on the Government’s tiered system tonight (Tuesday).
Mr Seely has said he will vote in support of the Government because the Island was put in Tier 1, which will come into force tomorrow morning.
Speaking ahead of the vote, Bob has said:
“Since I, and others, specifically requested that Ministers judged the Island on its own merits and did not include it in a wider region – as was a possibility – I feel therefore I needed to recognise that and to thank Ministers for their correct decision.
“More widely, I have made my views very clear and these have not changed. I have been concerned about the use of data. I have been concerned about the lack of data showing the medium and long-term effects on health and on peoples’ jobs and livelihoods. I have been concerned about how public health officials nationally have used misleading data to push questionable decisions. These concerns have not gone away and I support the overall aims of the Covid Recovery Group of MPs and I remain a member of that group.
“I would now urge Islanders to do three things.
“First, for us to minimise the bad economic impact on the Island caused by restrictions and lockdowns, can we please wherever possible shop in Island-own businesses and buy Island goods and produce. We have at least 50 Island food producers. They produce some of the best food and drink in the country. In the run-up to Christmas, let’s be spending our money with them. We know that shopping local keeps money and jobs on the Island, so let’s help each other.
“Second, let’s also get out to help our pubs and restaurants.
Article continues below this advertisement “Third, let’s keep an eye out for each other. Lockdowns have had a significant mental health impact and loneliness – which can cause ill-health – has been rising due to the lack of human contact.
“Ministers have listened. We will be in Tier 1. I hope now that we can get back to some semblance of normality. I am assured the vaccine roll-out will start soon. Frankly, it can’t come too soon.”
So, a minority of MPs — 291 — voted to impose these pointless, ruinous restrictions and the remainder either didn’t show up, abstained or voted against. I don’t see how people can be expected to comply with them now and the police shouldn’t enforce them. This is minority rule.And we should vote them all out of office and hold them accountable !