The Labour MP for Nottingham North has said he cannot go along with the Government’s plan to move England into a new three-tier system.
Alex Norris, who is also the Shadow Public Health Secretary, said he recognised restrictions were necessary, but that in its current form, the plan did not offer support to businesses in tier 3.
He also said it did not offer clarity as to how to move out of tier 3.
Labour has strongly criticised the plans, saying it was ‘hard to overstate’ the amount of anger there was about the plans.
Several Conservative MPs are also expected to vote against the plans this evening.
It is understood Labour MPs will abstain during the vote, meaning it is likely to be approved.
Speaking before the start of the debate, he said: “Restrictions are still necessary to curb this virus.
“However the Government’s plans do not offer any support for Nottingham’s businesses nor tell us what we need to do to get us into Tier 2 or out of restrictions so I cannot support them.”
Assuming the vote passes tonight, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire will move into Tier 3 at one minute past midnight tomorrow (Wednesday, December 2).
This is despite the fact rates have been falling significantly and steadily in many parts of the county.
The Government says the tiers will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis, but one Notts council leader said he was told by ministers not to expect to be moved into Tier 2.
Under Tier 3, non-essential travel out of or into the area is restricted, households are not allowed to mix indoors, and hospitality venues have to close apart from for takeaways.
