Ministers did not tell local MPs they were ignoring scientific advice on a circuit breaker lockdown for our area, despite being asked. The Government’s support package for people affected is also totally inadequate and risks taking us back to the 1980s. We are at a decisive moment in the fight against the virus. Cases are rising and the Government doesn’t have a credible plan.

That’s why my Parliamentary colleagues across Liverpool and I have called on the Government to:

• Release the scientific evidence.
• Put local public health teams in charge of test and trace.
• Devolve decisions over restrictions to local authorities.
• Provide urgent financial support to give people security.

Read my full joint statement with fellow Liverpool MPs in the Liverpool Echo here.

You can also read my full speech in Parliament about the new measures here.