THE Prime Minister Boris Johnson "rightly imposed" a third national lockdown, a statement from seven council leaders in the North-East has said.

Leaders representing County Durham, Gateshead, Sunderland, Newcastle, North and South Tyneside and Northumberland, made the comments as new restrictions came in today.

In a joint-statement the leaders, who last week called for a national lockdown to be imposed, said the PM's decision was "vital" in controlling the spread of Covid.

They said: “The Prime Minister has rightly imposed a national lockdown in England, meaning we must all now stay at home except for essential reasons.

“It was vital decisive action was taken to regain control of infection rates that have been soaring across the nation, including in our own region, in recent weeks.

“We know this will come as a disappointment to our communities who have already given so much during the pandemic, but it was a step the Government simply had to take.

“We are all too aware of the mental and physical difficulties a lockdown brings, with people unable to see loved ones or do most of the activities they enjoy doing, and none of us wish to see schools closed.

“But the health of residents is the absolute priority for all of us, and we are now in a position where we can take action, prevent the NHS from becoming completely overwhelmed, and save lives."

'We have argued for more support'

In the statement, they said that they had argued for more support for local businesses from the Government.

They said: "We have argued for more support for local businesses and this morning’s announcement from the Chancellor regarding grants is welcome.

"But some businesses have fallen through the gaps since March, and still need additional support. We will monitor what other support our communities and businesses require.

“Similarly, there will be many out there who require support once again during this lockdown, and we will continue to provide welfare support as we have throughout the pandemic.

"We will also work with the Government to ensure the necessary equipment is available to children for online learning and support our communities wherever possible."

'We now have a weapon to fight back'

“Hope is, however, on the horizon. Unlike when we first entered lockdown in March, we now have a weapon to fight back.

"The Government has set out timescales for quickly vaccinating the most vulnerable, as well as health and social care workers, and we sincerely hope this will permit the return of some freedoms when the time is right.

"We will be working closely with our colleagues in the NHS to support the rollout but for now, we have to play our part while the virus continues to spread."

They added that residents should continue to adhere to the rules and stay home in a bid to help prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed.