Stuck in Tier 4, So Lib Dems Ask, Now What Government Help Do We Get?

Published on: 20 Dec, 2020
Updated on: 21 Dec, 2020

Zoe Franklin

A statement on the move to Tier 4 has been released by Zöe Franklin, Guildford and Cranleigh Lib Dem spokesperson on Parliamentary matters.

“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. But 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 PM, Boris Johnson, and his party.”

Responses to Stuck in Tier 4, So Lib Dems Ask, Now What Government Help Do We Get?

J Holt Reply

December 20, 2020 at 6:51 am

Pathetic political point scoring.

The situation can change quickly.

Would it have been better to have seen the rapid rise in cases and then wait three days before making changes?

Would it not be better for responsible people to encourage the population to abide by the rules and remind everyone we are all in this together.
Michael Hard Reply

December 20, 2020 at 10:17 am

Cranleigh is in Waverley, hence it is Tier 2.
Jim Allen Reply

December 20, 2020 at 11:04 am

Really? We have hardly been let down by anyone, save those who started this virus and did not fully disclose it from September 2019 to January 2020.

Everyone top to bottom in the UK has been doing their best in unique circumstances, never experienced in this modern world.

Any individuals to blame in the UK, nationally the press using inflammatory language like ‘hard U-turn’ when in reality it was simply ‘fast reaction to a change in the information’.

They are making the situation worse by stirring discontent of a public health crisis.

Locally, those letting down the community are those who are not taking responsibilities for themselves by ignoring the basics, keeping hands clean, keeping a safe distance and so on.

It is time those with the PhD’s in hindsight woke up. Time the harsh words of criticism were removed from the vocabulary and instead words of encouragement to follow these very difficult requirements vocalized instead.
Georgina Grant Reply

December 21, 2020 at 11:12 am

Zoe Franklin should get her facts straight. Waverley towns and villages are in Tier 2. As someone who should know better, she shows a pathetic lack of knowledge.

Response from Zoe Franklin: “I am only too aware that Waverley is in Tier 2, since my own parents and brother live in Waverley and as a result of the Tier 4 restrictions that Guildford Borough, and most of the South East, find themselves in I will not be able to see them. There will be plenty of families in a similar position to mine who cannot travel between the Tiers, whether that is to visit family in Guildford Borough or any other Tier 4 area or vice versa. Hence my heart goes out to people across Guildford, Cranleigh and our Villages.”