On Friday the Telegraph reported that in the North West, Yorkshire and the West Midlands infections are doubling at twice the rate of the rest of England. It is the duty of any government to protect its citizens and as such we can’t continue on the current path without making changes. While it is vital to be led by the science we must also take residents' views into account. I will make it my personal responsibility to ensure that residents of Keighley and Ilkley are represented in the government’s response to this virus.
Over the past week I have continued to liaise with my colleagues in Westminster, not least the Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the scientists who are advising on our government’s approach to keeping people safe from the virus.
On Wednesday I launched a survey to seek the views of residents on additional restrictions, including the 10pm curfew, which a number of residents have contacted me about directly. Hundreds of residents have already taken part and responses continue to trickle in. I will always make it my duty to represent the views of my constituents and will take these views directly to government as the next steps are announced.
Ilkley, Craven and Worth Valley have fared better looking back over the last 12 week period relative to other wards in the constituency, but unfortunately, over the last five weeks, case numbers have crept up across the whole of the constituency.
We must always ensure that as a government our actions are led by data so our approach is entirely scientific. That said, restrictions will only work if we ensure that everyone understands the value of stopping the spread of Covid 19 to help keep our families and communities safe. That is why I will always do all I can to ensure the voices of residents in Keighley and Ilkley are represented with the decision makers in Westminster.