England facing 'tougher lockdown' because of delay, claims Sunderland MP

Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson was speaking shortly before the Downing Street press conference at which Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a second national lockdown for England – though much of it had been leaked beforehand.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and others in his party had been calling for such measures, already implemented in other parts of the UK, for weeks.

A number of other countries, including France and Belgium, announced similar moves in recent days as cases continue to rise

Ms Phillipson tweeted in advance of the press conference: “Today we face a tougher and longer lockdown, because the government are slow, and they are stubborn.

“Our people are paying a high price.”

She added: “When Keir saw evidence for a circuit-breaker, he called for it. The PM and Chancellor ridiculed it.”

Mr Johnson announced the new restrictions after rejecting earlier calls from Government scientists for a short, sharp shutdown.

Pubs, bars, restaurants and non-essential shops will close from Thursday, November 5, until at least December 2.

The public will be told to stay at home unless they have a specific reason to leave. Schools, colleges and nurseries will remain open.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the furlough scheme will be extended for a further month, with the Treasury covering 80% of employees’ wages to prevent further unemployment.

Ms Phillipson, who is Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, tweeted after the announcements: “The Chancellor shelved his new Job Support Scheme six hours before it was due to start.

“How can businesses plan for this sort of last minute decision-making?

“The Tories are tanking the economy because they don’t listen to the science and they won’t listen to Labour.”

Sir Keir Starmer said the delay will have a “very real” human cost, while northern leaders criticised Ministers for extending the furlough for the nation despite earlier refusing it for their areas during heightened restrictions.

He indicated Labour would support the lockdown in a Commons vote, adding the Government had “finally taken the decision it should have taken weeks ago”

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