Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan has called on the government to “work harder on explaining and justifying the steps it is taking” when it comes to coronavirus restrictions.
Dr Mullan made the plea during a parliamentary debate on measures for the north of England.
His remarks come as Cheshire East Council have called upon the government to hand over more enforcement powers and resources in fighting the virus.
By doing so, the government would avoid the need to impose further restrictions on the borough, argues Labour leader Cllr Sam Corcoran.
A joint request, between Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington Borough councils, has asked for £45m of funding and an active approach to supporting the hospitality sector.
Cllr Sam Corcoran, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “The government have tended to make announcements on Thursdays about new restrictions being imposed. I don’t often quote the Prime Minister, but a stitch in time saves nine.
“And given the failure of the government to agree to the modest local measures we proposed in September, and a significant rise in Cheshire East since then, I will be listening carefully to the news.”
Crewe and Nantwich MP Dr Mullan said: “I think it’s quite right the government acts as it has been doing.
“But I do think it needs to work harder on explaining and justifying the steps it is taking both locally and nationally.
“Where is the detail on the reasons why we have not excluded children from the rule of six?
“Where is the detailed explanation on the 10pm lockdown?
“This [debate] is related to local lockdown measures, but if we don’t have confidence from the public in the national measure, we’ve got very little chance of getting them to listen to us on the local measures.”
Dr Mullan, who was elected in 2019 and represents Crewe and Nantwich, added that it was up to MPs to communicate the new guidance and advice in their constituencies.
In response, Health Minister Helen Whately said: ““We are truly facing a global pandemic.
“This is the greatest crisis we have faced since the second world war, so we must suppress it, and we must do so while doing our utmost to protect our economy.
“We have been constantly learning, listening, and adapting and working closely with those in local areas because the only way we will win against this virus is by working together and defeating it together.”
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