Zöe Franklin, Guildford & Cranleigh Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson, responds to news of move to Tier 4

Responding to the news that London and the South East of England, including Guildford Borough, will move to the new Tier 4, Guildford and Cranleigh Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson Zöe Franklin said:

"My heart goes out to families across Guildford, Cranleigh and our villages who after a very tough year were looking forward to Christmas with some sense of normality.

"Last week Lib Dem MPs asked the PM to listen to the scientists and warned him that, if he had to cancel Christmas, he mustn't leave it to the last minute. However, he ignored these warnings and, as a result, London and the South East have been forced into Tier 4 with just hours' notice.

"The short notice of this change will also be deeply concerning for local businesses from restaurants and pubs, non-essential retail (especially small business) through to personal care and gyms/sports facilities who have already faced so much this year. I'd urge the government to ease the anxiety of small business owners by following the lockdown announcement, immediately, with information on the practical financial help available through this.

"It's important to be upfront about why we are in this mess. From the late first lockdown in March, to the delays sorting out PPE, test trace and isolate and the care home tragedy, Boris Johnson has never got a grip, and his Government has left our country with one of the worst death rates and most damaged economies in Europe.

"As a nation we have been failed by the MP Boris Johnson and his party."