Leeds and West Yorkshire MPs react to Tier 3 lockdown announcement

The move comes after weeks of negotiations between West Yorkshire and Leeds Council leaders and the government over the terms of the lockdown change and the financial support the area will receive as a result.

How have Leeds and West Yorkshire MPs reacted to the change?

Hilary Benn, the Leeds Central MP for Labour, said: “Leeds is moving into Tier 3. This decision was both inevitable and necessary given the high rate of Covid cases in Leeds and the increasing pressures on the LGI and Jimmy's, but I know it's going to be really difficult for a lot of businesses including in the city centre.

“We all need to play our part in trying to reverse the rise in infections so that we can eventually come out of this, but it will depend on what we do.

“And while we play our part, the Government has to ensure that all the businesses affected get the support they need.”

Labour MP for East Leeds, Richard Burgon, said: "Across the country the Govt's Covid strategy is failing.

"Putting areas like mine into further local restrictions, and without enough funding, just won't cut it.

"It's time for a national circuit breaker lockdown with proper financial support to get people through this crisis."

Batley and Spen Labour and Co-operative MP, Tracy Brabin, said: “West Yorkshire is moving to Tier 3.

“I have been absolutely clear that this shouldn’t happen without the funding businesses and workers need to survive and frankly I’d like to see the scientific evidence that Tier 3 works before the government imposes these measures.

“These measures will not just damage livelihoods but people’s mental health and well being. The government made sure working people got 80% of their wages during the first lockdown, bills haven’t suddenly got cheaper since then.

“We urgently need wages and jobs protected, and that means retrospectively for businesses who have struggled to survive under months of Tier 2 restrictions too.”

The Keighley MP Robbie Moore, Conservative, said: “We do need to reduce the spread of Covid transmission dramatically.

“Whilst I do not in any way favour further restrictions being imposed on our livelihoods, I remain hopeful the Tier 3 measures will help reduce pressure on our NHS and protect lives.”

Andrea Jenkyns, Covservative MP for Morley and Outwood said: “Tier 3 restrictions have unfortunately become necessary in our area to combat the spread of the virus.

"I hope we can lift restrictions soon, but we must keep people safe.

"Please everyone remember, hands, face, space - let's get through this together.

"My team and I are here to support you through what will be a worrying time for many people."

What are the new Tier 3 restrictions?

Supermarkets will remain open in Tier 3, with face coverings still compulsory for customers, unless exempt, in all supermarkets.

According to government guidelines, you must not socialise with anybody you do not live with or haven’t formed a support bubble with, in any indoor setting or in any private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events.

You must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in an outdoor public space such as a park or beach, the countryside, a public garden or a sports venue.

Pubs and bars must close in Leeds; they can only remain open where they operate as if they were a restaurant, which means serving substantial meals, like a main lunchtime or evening meal.

They may only serve alcohol as part of such a meal, the government guidelines state.

Schools, colleges and universities are to remain open in the city.

Places of worship remain open, but household mixing is not permitted.

Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees.

However, wedding receptions are not allowed.

Exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors.

These will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with; there are exceptions for supervised activities for under-18s, and disability sport.

You should try to avoid travelling outside the very high alert level area you are in or entering a very high alert level area, other than for things like work, education or youth services, to meet caring responsibilities or if you are travelling through as part of a longer journey

You should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK if you are resident in a very high alert level area, or avoid staying overnight in a very high alert level area if you are resident elsewhere.

At the moment the current Tier 2 and Tier 3 rules apply for Christmas, unless the government either relaxes the rules or ends the lockdown before Christmas Day.