Earlier today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that Greater London will be moving into Tier 3 restrictions at 00.01 on Wednesday morning. Responding to the announcement, Two Cities MP Nickie Aiken said

I am bitterly disappointed that we will move into Tier 3 at 00.01 on Wednesday morning, particularly as Westminster has one of the lowest number of cases per 100,000 of any London borough.

However, even in Westminster the number of cases has risen by over 13% in the last week. It, like the rest of London, is moving in the wrong direction. If action is not taken now, the NHS in some parts of London could become overwhelmed. I spoke to the hospitals in the constituency this morning and they are already seeing an increase in cases from all over London.

Some people are calling for an area by area approach where different boroughs in London would be placed in different tiers.

Sadly that won’t work as our areas are too interdependent and people move easily between central London and the surrounding areas.

Tier 3 restrictions for the Capital will come as a devastating  blow to our businesses, especially those in our hospitality sector, and those of us that call the Capital home.

We need to get the number of cases down and urgently come up with a clear pathway to get ourselves out of tier 3. 

I know it’s hard but please remember we’re ramping up testing and the vaccine is being rolled out.

Meanwhile I will do everything I can to support you. If today’s decision has affected you and you need my help, please contact me or my team.

You can find the the latest Government advice on Coronavirus here.