This week in parliament has understandably been dominated by the Government’s proposals for local tiers after the end of this second national coronavirus lockdown period; and the linked decision to place Hinckley and Bosworth – and the rest of Leicester and Leicestershire – into Tier 3, the highest level of restrictions.

Yesterday I posted a video explaining why I believe that it is right that we move into Tier 3 at least at first – because for now at least the data supports it; but also why it’s important that moving forward Hinckley and Bosworth should be treated separately from Leicester City and that our local tier level should not be dictated by what is happening in the city.

Our rates are improving, our community has proved over the summer that it can follow the rules and precedent has been set of differentiating between city and county. This isn’t covid nimbyism but an evidenced based argument to treat the two differently. This is the argument I will be taking up in the coming week.

I’m posting that video again today with this week’s update. I understand that some of you will disagree with me but please be assured not one Member of Parliament reaches these type of views lightly; they are reached after hours of deliberation and because we believe we are arriving at conclusions which delivers the most benefit and the least harm.

Aside from that this week I have:

• Took part in the Health and Social Care Select Committee, where we questions Matt Hancock about covid in general.
• With other East Midlands MPs received a briefing on local covid restrictions from health minister, Jo Churchill and Public Health England – East Midlands.
• Spoke with Tom Moberley, the editor of the British Medical Journal, about how MPs who are doctors too have perceived the last year.
• Asked the Church Commissioner for England about how churches are preparing for Christmas under covid restrictions -both how they will be holding services, but also how they will continue to provide pastoral support for their communities: https://www.drlukeevans.org.uk/news/how-are-churches-preparing-christmas
• Held two constituent surgeries.
• Met with the Chief Executives of West Leicestershire Clinical Commissioning Group and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to discuss local health facilities, the local covid situation and tiering.
• Visited Redmoor Academy in Hinckley to see how they are coping with covid.
• Had further conversations with the education minister about capital spending in our local schools.
• Congratulated HORIBA MIRA on the launch of their world leading ASSURED CAV centre which will provide unique eco-system for connected and autonomous vehicles.
• And asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer about funding to fix the railway bridge on the A5, Britain’s ‘most bashed bridge’: https://www.drlukeevans.org.uk/news/dr-luke-presses-chancellor-take-act…