I attended a productive meeting at No.10 Downing Street this morning where I laid out the case for Redcar & Cleveland.
I made it clear that our area is struggling - particularly our Pubs & Restaurants - with the current level of restrictions and any moves to take us into further restrictions shouldn’t be taken lightly.
I specifically emphasised our leisure industry and said that if we do increase the restrictions in our area, our Gyms, Leisure Centres and Close Contact services should be open where possible.
I don’t believe we should face any new restrictions in the immediate future - we should let the new restrictions take and expect us to stay in ‘Tier 2’ or ‘High’ restrictions at least for this coming week.
Separate to Coronavirus - I made it clear that we must not give in to unreasonable demands from the EU as we come to the end of the negotiations. And we’ve already said the we will be fully out from Dec 31st.
I reiterated calls to level up our area and ensure that our area is seen as part of the solution, not the problem.
The Government is promising transformation to Teesside with new green industry, developments in offshore wind and the prospect of a Free Port.
We cannot let Covid knock us off course on this.
J
