Following the debate on new Covid tiers, Greg said:
"In the debate ahead of the vote on the new Covid tier system yesterday, I set out my concerns about the restrictions being placed on Buckingham constituency residents.
"I am and remain deeply concerned that the Buckingham constituency, despite low and falling infection rates, has been placed in the draconian tier 2 restrictions. The concept of taking away peoples freedoms and liberties is absolutely alien to me and something I categorically did not get into politics to do. And the impact on people’s freedoms in the tier system is considerable, especially with families unable to meet indoors, grandparents kept away from their grandchildren. The impact on jobs, livelihoods and businesses is horrendous: in the travel sector, performing arts and hospitality. Pubs, restaurants and their supply chains, despite financial support, are struggling. I am particularly opposed to the “substantial meal” provision in tier two, which seems to suggest a steak and chips will somehow ward off coronavirus but a couple of pints with a mate won’t. Likewise the idea that you can go to a football stadium with 1,000 others but not meet a friend in a pub stretches the bounds of credibility.
"The challenge I gave to Ministers was to ensure greater granularity in the way restrictions are imposed, so that areas like the Buckingham constituency that have very low infection rates could be separated from other parts of the county with higher numbers to ensure freedom can be restored on a more local level.
"For most of the day, I was convinced I would vote against the government. I wrote in the Sunday Express how I wanted to be convinced these tiers would not do more hard than good. Bluntly, I remain unconvinced on that point. But there was a grim reality. I talked to many colleagues throughout the day. It was clear to me that the tier system was going to pass. We would be lumbered with the tier 2 restrictions. The numbers were just not there to defeat the measures, as demonstrated in the final vote.
"I personally spoke to both the Prime Minister and the Health Secretary. I eventually got a commitment that they would split the county in the review on 16th December, so long as the infection rate continues to go down. This commitment led to a reluctant vote for the governments proposals. My prioirty had to be to secure the restoration of freedoms to Buckingham constituency residents as soon as possible.
"Politics is, after all, the art of the possible. I sincerely hope the numbers continue to fall and we can enjoy the greater freedoms tier 1 offers especially for families to be able to meet in their own homes and be rid of the preposterous "substantial meal" rule in pubs and restaurants which is so damaging.
"As my next post will show, today I secured confirmation of this commitment by the Health Secretary at the Dispatch Box of the House of Commons. A commitment given alongside the frankly joyous news that the first vacine has been approved for use in the UK.
"So our collective mission now is to stick to common sense. To follow the guidance, wear a mask, socially distance and ensure the infection rate locally come 16th December is as low as possible. Let's work together to get our freedom back."
