Oldham's MPs support the new national lockdown, but criticise Prime Minister's 'dither and delay'

Date published: 05 January 2021

Oldham's MPs have reacted to the Prime Minister's announcement last night of a third national lockdown.

In a televised address, Boris Johnson told the nation that the number of Covid 19 cases are rising rapidly in every part of the country due to the new coronavirus variant.

It is expected the new lockdown in England will last until the middle of February.

Oldham West and Royton MP, Jim McMahon told the Chronicle: "After dither and delay, last night the Prime Minister finally acted and did what the Government’s scientific advisors had been telling him to do for almost two weeks and increased our restrictions on a national level. Once again we find ourselves in a critical moment in our fight against coronavirus.

The virus is out of control, more and more people are getting infected and it is putting greater strains on our NHS. We need another change of direction to combat the spread, and once again that unfortunately means the introduction of another national lockdown. Vaccinating Britain has to be our goal going forward – there is no reason that we cannot be vaccinating at least two million people a week."

Mr McMahon was also critical of the Government's change in policy on school closures, demanding a plan to ensure pupils are not "left behind"

"The effect that school closures had on our children and young people back in March cannot be overestimated, here in Oldham our pupils were already missing more time in class due to self-isolation than most other place in the country.

All of this will add up and have detrimental effects on our children’s learning. The Government must at the earliest opportunity bring forward a plan for schools to ensure that children don’t get left behind, that parents – many of whom will be working still – and teachers are supported, and as soon as it is safe and possible to do so; schools should reopen. The best place for our children, for a variety of reasons, is to be in the classroom.”

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth echoed the difficulties facing schools: "What will have taken many people by surprise, especially teachers and parents, was the Prime Minister saying on Monday morning that schools would be staying open, and then at 8pm, that they needed to close. It’s yet another example of the Prime Minister doing a u-turn at the last minute and throwing everyone into confusion."

“Nine months on there is really no excuse that the Government has not had time to identify and provide support for different groups of workers. We must not forget that nearly 3 million people have been left without any support at all.
 
“We must also ensure that those who have to self-isolate are financially supported. There are reports that 4 out of 5 people applying for a self-isolation payment are being rejected."

“Finally we must extend and provide more support to those clinically vulnerable people who are having to shield. According to a survey of disabled people across Greater Manchester 80% with significant support needs were not included in the Government’s shielded cohort.  
 
“One thing is very clear though. Difficult though the situation is we must all re-double our efforts to stop the spread of this dreadful Covid virus and follow the basic guidance to stay at home, wash your hands, wear a face covering when out in public, and keep at least 2 meters distance with the next person.”

Meanwhile Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, supported the lockdown but was critical of the Prime Minister's lack of action on jobs and livelihoods.

“The Government must use the third lockdown to do the things that they failed to do in the first and second lockdowns – like sacking Serco and delivering an effective test and trace system that actually works.

“The fact that the Prime Minister is unable to learn from his own mistakes, and keeps on making the very same mistakes, after 75,000 people have already died, is utterly unforgivable.

“Many people will be going to bed every night deeply worried about the impact this will have on their jobs and livelihoods.

“It’s beyond belief that the Government could announce yet another lockdown without providing details of support to help people get through it.

“Economic support must fit these new circumstances - for parents, for businesses and for their workers. The Government must fix it now.

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