MPs raise concerns over 'failing' and 'inconsistent' tiered system amid Matt Hancock talks as Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant go into tier four

Prime minister Boris Johnson, in a hastily arranged Downing Street press conference this afternoon, announced strict tier four rules for London and the south east – currently in tier three – amid a rapid spread of a new variant of coronavirus.

Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant will now move into tier four on Sunday.

Non-essential shops, gyms, cinemas, hairdressers and bowling alleys will be forced to close for two weeks – with the new tier system looking similar to the lockdown rules of November.

Tier four residents will also be unable to travel abroad and should not mix with anyone outside their household at Christmas.

In the rest of the country, bubbles are only limited to Christmas Day and not the five days previously announced.

Following the announcement, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said: ‘The government is yet again two steps behind, with indecision and confusion over how to limit the virus’ spread before the festive season putting our NHS at grave risk in the new year.

‘This week in parliament I have been asking questions of ministers on the new variant and what this will mean for our area, the answers have not been forthcoming.

‘What is clear is the current tiered system is failing to stem the spread of the virus, and ministerial inaction has led to infections out of control in certain parts of the country again.

‘With our area only going into tier three today, this is an incredibly serious moment for our city. Portsmouth people are understandably worried. Many of our small business owners are devastated.

‘The prime minister’s latest announcement is a disappointment to us all.’

The MP went on to accuse the government of making ‘promises it has failed to deliver’ with the ‘mishandling’ meaning the ‘city’s people and economy will now suffer this Christmas’.

Meanwhile Conservative MPs told The News they had spoken with health secretary Matt Hancock this evening over their concerns.

Gosport Mp Caroline Dinenage said: ‘So upset by the announcement – a bitter blow for local people who were desperate to see loved ones at Christmas after a hellish year.

‘The context is extremely worrying – with reports of new variant of Covid in our area and Queen Alexandra Hospital intensive care unit at 200 per cent capacity.

‘I spoke to Matt Hancock and Jonathan Van Tam this evening to express concerns about the inconsistency of local tiers.’

Havant MP Alan Mak said: ‘I spoke to the health secretary tonight, and this is tough news for everyone, but a new highly transmittable Covid strain is worrying with infection rates across the Havant constituency having risen substantially recently.

‘Let's redouble our efforts to get the infection rates down, so we protect Queen Alexandra Hospital, our local NHS and vulnerable residents.’

SEE ALSO: Boris Johnson on Christmas changes

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