"Too late at every stage" - after new lockdown announcement, Newcastle Liberal Democrats call for urgent support for elderly, vulnerable and food package distribution

"The news of the latest lockdown is sobering but sadly not unexpected. The picture in Newcastle, whilst serious, has seen a lower rate of increase of the virus but other parts of the region and the country have clearly experienced a drastic resurgence of the spread of the virus as a result of faster transmission of the new variant in the last fortnight. The blunt reality is that the Government has acted several weeks too late at every stage of the crisis," said Cllr Nick Cott, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Opposition on Newcastle City Council.

"At regional level, the decision by LA7 political leaders not to support a move to Tier 3 back in the autumn is now having consequences. Much tighter restrictions were needed when arguments were being made against them.

"There is now renewed pressure on the city's economy and NHS capacity, on schools and childcare, and on our citizens who now face a further strain on morale and mental health.

"The Opposition will be seeking urgent assurances from the city council's leadership that the needs of housebound elderly and vulnerable residents will be once again safeguarded. We hope that urgent steps will be taken to reactivate the safe distribution of food packages via community networks during lockdown and will support all efforts to do so.