Sarah Dines MP questions Secretary of State Matt Hancock regarding the suitability of the Coronavirus Act 2020 for areas of low COVID-19 infection rates.
Within her speech in the House of Commons (01/10/20), which proceeded Mr Hancock’s statement on the Government’s renewal of their coronavirus regulations, Sarah Dines MP highlighted the desire of local hospitality businesses to accelerate their reopening.
During her remarks, Sarah Dines MP referenced two specific industries. Firstly, wedding venues were mentioned with the examples of Shottle and Eyam Hall highlighted. Secondly a number of public houses were brought to the attention of the Secretary of State including the Rutland Arms, the Peacock at Rowsley, the Devonshire Arms at Baslow, and the Old Dog at Thorpe.
Sarah Dines MP said: “It is crucial that our pubs, restaurants, wedding venues and hotels can reopen to a wider extent that they are currently allowed, as soon as it is safe to do so. I am keenly aware of the significant impact the pandemic has had on our local economy, especially given our reliance of our tourism and hospitality businesses.
In areas of very low infection rates I am supportive of any measures the Government can put in place to customise restrictions to reflect differing levels of risk. It is, however, still vital that we continue to follow the guidelines the Government has set out so that we can maintain our low rates of transmission here in the Derbyshire Dales.
Recently many constituents have contacted me to demonstrate just how difficult recent months have been and I have had a continuous dialogue with Ministers and colleagues regarding the impacts of the restrictions. I will continue to bring this matter to the attention of Ministers who I appreciate have a difficult task of balancing the wider public’s health with the importance of reopening our economy.”
