This is what Sheffield's MPs have to say about the county being plunged into Tier 3 on Saturday

South Yorkshire awoke on Wednesday morning to learn that the county would soon be plunged into the “very high” Tier 3 restriction category within days, bringing with it the closure of wet-led pubs, casinos, soft play centres and adult play centres.

Negotiations are believed to have been taking place over the last few days, and this is what the city’s MPs had to say about the restrictions, which come into force at 00.01 on Saturday, October 24.

Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central, said: “We must take the measures needed to defeat the virus, but they must be backed by proper support for businesses and jobs. South Yorkshire leaders have pressed the Government hard, and we’ve all tried to work together on a deal, but Ministers wouldn’t move far beyond this ‘take it or leave it’ offer which falls well short of what we need.

"I pressed the Health Minister in the Commons on the impact on the hospitality, music, events and creative sectors, but businesses and self-employed people in other sectors are at risk too. Those whose business is being made unviable should be get the backing they need to protect livelihoods.”

Gill Furniss, MP for Brightside and Hillsborough, said: “South Yorkshire entering Tier 3 restrictions is a worrying development, both for what it says about the progression of the virus locally and the effect the rules will have on local people and businesses. Whilst I am pleased our local leaders managed to secure a package of support for businesses and local track and trace it is abundantly clear the Government are providing far less than is needed to ensure businesses and those on low pay can be confident about the coming months. I call on them to increase this support for all areas facing increased restrictions.

“The Government must now commit to a furlough scheme of 80 percent of wages for all those who cannot work and act to implement a national circuit breaker to stem the rising tide of infections and give confidence that we can safely reopen the economy. The coming weeks and months will again be very hard for us but I know that Sheffielders will stick together, help each other out and follow the rules to the best of our abilities."

Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, said: “This is a serious moment for our city, and for the thousands of businesses and workers who face a difficult winter.

“The additional funding secured by our Mayor Dan Jarvis will provide extra support for businesses and to fix track and trace.

“But the reality is the Government’s pitiful support schemes for jobs and businesses risk hardship for many in our city and across the North over the coming weeks. Ministers need to wake-up and ask themselves how they expect the lowest paid to live on two thirds of their income? This is simply wrong and they must think again."

Olivia Blake, MP for Sheffield Hallam, said: "With cases rising in Sheffield Hallam and across South Yorkshire, further restrictions are necessary if we are going to stop the spread of this virus and protect our NHS. But, to be successful, they must be accompanied by a comprehensive package of support for the thousands of my constituents who are worried about what this will mean for them.

"I share the concerns of Julie Dore, the leader of Sheffield Council, and Dan Jarvis, the Sheffield City Region Mayor, who both said the standard Tier 3 package of support falls well short of what’s needed. It will not allow Sheffield Council to provide the level of support that will be desperately needed under these new restrictions.

"Further restrictions will only be successful in controlling the virus if proper funding is provided. Without this extra support many of my constituents will be forced to continue to go to work, or face falling behind on rent or bills.

"In April, the Chancellor said no person or region would be left behind, but he seems to have forgotten that now. We urgently need a robust national approach which provides sufficient support to all areas facing additional restrictions. The current system of local deals and negotiations isn’t working.

"I will continue to push the Chancellor to get on top of this crisis by extending the coronavirus job retention scheme and plugging the existing holes in the system, so that no one in Sheffield, or across the country, falls through the cracks."

Miriam Cates, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said: “This is not a decision that was taken lightly, but it is right we take action to protect our families, communities and NHS, and reduce the spread of the virus.

“I am pleased the Government and local leaders have agreed on a joint course of action and a substantial financial support package of £41 million. This will enable us to boost our local public health protection measures, including Test and Trace, and also provide support for jobs and businesses that will unfortunately be affected by new restrictions.

“It is important to state these restrictions are not open-ended and will be reviewed after 28 days. It is therefore vital that, as individuals, we all work together and play our part in stopping the spread of the virus. The next two weeks will be crucial if we are to see the necessary reductions in cases and hospitalisations that will allow us to reconsider the need for Tier 3 restrictions at the end of the initial 28-day period.

“I therefore urge everyone across South Yorkshire to follow the rules on household mixing, maintain social distancing, and protect ourselves and each other. I would also like to pay tribute to the NHS, social care, and local public health workers who are working tirelessly to keep us safe. It is only by acting swiftly and decisively in a co-ordinated manner that we will be able to support them and our local communities to stay safe and save lives.”

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