'Lockdown will save lives' - Harborough MP's message to the town as we prepare for tighter restrictions

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien is totally backing the Government’s new national Covid-19 lockdown – as he warned “large numbers” of people would die if it is not imposed now.

Neil declared hospitals and the NHS would be “overwhelmed” and the impact on both the nation’s health and the economy would be “catastrophic” if Prime Minister Boris Johnson does not act urgently.

The Conservative MP nailed his colours firmly to the mast as the Government gears up to impose the new month-long coronavirus crackdown from midnight on Thursday morning this week (November 5).

But Cllr Phil King, who leads Harborough council, said he fears the local economy will be hit hard by the tough new measures – and he has made his concerns clear to fellow Tory Neil O’Brien.

Neil, whose wife Jemma is a doctor, told the Harborough Mail: “This is totally the right thing to do.

“Our hospitals are filling up at an accelerating rate.

“The NHS would be totally overwhelmed if we don’t act decisively now.

“Covid patients would die in large numbers – and many more people suffering from other serious conditions would die too.

“It would be catastrophic and entirely unacceptable.”

The dad-of-two insisted: “You’ve only got to look at what is happening in France and Germany to see that action must be taken here now.

“There’s just no alternative to this England-wide lockdown – Boris had to act now, there’s no doubt of that.

“A lot of people get their arguments muddled about this but the way forward is very clear.

“We have to go ahead with these restrictions now to save a lot of lives and to save routine NHS services.

“Trying to shield old and vulnerable people wouldn’t work, either, as many of them in Harborough live with people who go out to work or children who go to school.”

Asked about the devastating risk posed to the local economy by the new clampdown, Neil replied: “There would be a much bigger cost to the economy if you just let this virus rip.

“People were already refusing to go out to eat or drink anyway before the first lockdown was brought in back in March.

“We all hate being locked down – not being able to see our loved ones or do what we want to do.

“No one likes that.

“But we have no choice.

“The Government is bringing the furlough scheme back with £3,000-a-month grants for local businesses forced to shut.

“What’s it going to do to our economy – quite apart from the NHS – if we stand back and just let the virus rip?

“None of us wants to do this.

“But the alternative would be a very black Christmas and New Year as we would see a much bigger number of deaths.

“And no sensible, responsible government could let that happen.”

But Cllr King told the Mail: “I am very concerned about these measures.

“The Government has laid out its rationale.

“And whether I agree with it or not is neither here nor there.

“But it is very concerning that we have come to this.”

The Harborough council leader said it is especially worrying for people’s mental health at this time of the year as their lives are turned upside down yet again.

“The nights are closing in, the days are shorter, it’s colder, wetter and darker.

“It was so much easier to get out and about when the first lockdown was enforced back in the spring when we had a sunny, dry spell,” said Cllr King.

“A lot of people will be suffering added anxiety.

“We will endeavour as always to support our residents and businesses here as best as we can.

“But I’m very concerned about our excellent many small and medium businesses in Harborough.

“I do fear that there will be a serious local economic impact.

“And I raised my concerns with our MP, Neil O’Brien, at the weekend.

“There has been an upsurge in positive Covid-19 test results here – but the number of deaths have stayed very low.

“A lot of people are weary and they are tired after a very difficult year.

“So this is going to be a challenging time for all of us.”

Cllr Phil Knowles, who heads up the Liberal Democrats on Harborough council, said: “The coronavirus is a killer.

“We all have to do all we can to combat it.

“Keep your distance, wash your hands and wear a face covering.

“We must all do what we can to protect our families, our friends and our communities across Harborough.

“We do desperately need Government clarification on financial support for workers and businesses.

“We have unique, specialised shops and outlets such as top boutiques in Harborough.”

The veteran health campaigner added: “This lockdown may be essential – but it’s coming at the worst possible time for retailers in the vital run-up to Christmas.

“Many of them are already on the edge – and this could be the tipping point.

“I’m particularly worried that people are still having to go to Leicester for medical care and treatment when our own St Luke’s Hospital in Market Harborough should be used far more.

“The mental and physical health of our people will undergo enormous strain.

“It’s a delicate balance to strike between locking down to fight Covid-19 and doing all we can to support the economy.

“But please just follow the rules and let’s all unite in the life-and-death battle to defeat this killer.”

There were 264 coronavirus cases in Harborough district over a two-week period to Saturday October 24, the latest figures show.

The rate of cases per 100,000 of the population for the week ending October 24 stands at 148.2 per 100,000 - significantly below the national average of 209.4 per 100,000.