Doncaster MP explains why he voted for national lockdown
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The Don Valley MP said he could see ‘no other way in which the Government can control the situation’ as the number of cases and hospital admission across the borough continue.
Doncaster’s latest coronavirus figures show there are 530 positive cases per 100,000. There were 1,598 cases as of the end of November 1 – down 68 on the previous week.
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Hide AdIn the borough, there have been 290 Covid-19 related deaths from 8,340 positive cases.
Mr Fletcher said he is aware of the criticism the Government has been under but added he ‘remains proud’ of what has been done during the pandemic.
The MP, elected in 2019, said he had received a number of emails from ‘golfers, swimmers, tennis players and people of faith’ in asking for his support to lobby for exceptions to the lockdown rules and added he ‘would not support exceptions’ when people are making ‘even greater sacrifices’.
“At this moment in time, I see no other way in which the Government can control the situation,” Mr Fletcher said.
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Hide Ad“This decision will undoubtedly have a huge impact on our economy and businesses. I understand this.
“I have a business. I have employees. And I do understand. Yet having listened to the arguments, attended numerous meetings throughout this week, having raised many questions with colleagues and spoken to the CEO of Doncaster Royal Infirmary, I don’t believe I have any other option but to vote for the lockdown.
“I know people say the cost to life through a damaged economy may be worse. I understand these concerns, but we have to tackle what is immediately in front of us. Only time will tell if I am right or wrong, but at this moment I can only do what I believe is right.
“So as we go into lockdown, let us remember to keep others and ourselves safe. Let us also remember ‘hands, face and space’ when we are out. Otherwise we should ‘stay home, protect the NHS and save lives’.