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Just spoke in the Commons debate on the new coronavirus tiers. I cannot in all good conscience support them. I support the need for restrictions so we can control and eliminate coronavirus, but these proposals don't achieve that and lack any coherent exit strategy. THREAD
They are too flawed, and they needlessly punish too many while failing to achieve the continued reduction in cases that we need. A long-term plan to control and eliminate Covid-19 is vital if we're going to break the cycle of lockdowns that these tiers will likely lead to. (2/5)
Just relying in vaccines alone to solve our problems has been criticised by the experts. Gambling in this way is incredibly dangerous. What we need to see instead is a plan for a Covid-Secure UK that sets out an exit strategy and makes local councils partners. (3/5)
And if we are to use the tiers, I do not oppose Oxfordshire as a whole going into Tier 2, which is the plan. The Oxfordshire-wide system approach has been a real strength locally, and we need to build on that. (4/5)
It's vital we're careful for Christmas and suppress the virus, but relying on a system we know doesn't work is dangerous. (5/5)
