A TEESSIDE MP has joined a group of Tory MPs who are questioning plans to impose further restrictions on individuals and businesses throughout the country.

Stockton South MP Matt Vickers is a member of the Covid Recovery Group (CRG), alongside Steve Baker and Mark Harper, who this week wrote to the Prime Minister calling on him to ensure that the current lockdown ends on December 2 and that any further restrictions are evidenced and do more good than harm.

The group have expressed concern specifically about the impact on outside sport, the closure of non-use essential retail, gyms, ‘personal care’ businesses, care home visits, hospitality and places of worship.

Mr Vickers said: “The Covid Recovery Group has a really important role to play in providing real and healthy scrutiny of the government’s approach to the pandemic."

“HM Opposition have failed miserably in providing the necessary scrutiny, only opposing where they see the chance to score a political point and failing to turn up to vote when the tough decisions need to be made”.

“The Government is facing the biggest challenge of this generation, acting both under pressure and often against the clock. The Government has achieved some incredible things from innovative and effective support for local businesses to the role out of the biggest testing scheme in Europe”.

“By providing robust debate and scrutiny, and asking the tough questions the Covid Recovery Group can hold the government to account and strengthen decision making. Supporting the government when it’s right and questioning when it’s not."

The MP who has been elected as chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Retail has already spoken out in support of our high streets and retailers, as well as highlighting the role played by gyms on people’s welfare and the huge efforts made by both sectors to be Covid compliant and safe.

In October Mr Vickers voted against the government on the 10pm curfew to support local hospitality businesses.

He said: “Every decision made during this pandemic must strike the right balance between keeping people safe and not negatively impacting lives and livelihoods. We must protect jobs and support those who have worked so hard to create businesses in retail and hospitality. Our high streets and economy will be all the poorer without them.”