Covid restrictions will end on January 26 in order that the Government can avoid a revolt within its own ranks and a possible leadership challenge.

Conservative MPs argue that the abandonment of these safeguards are necessary for a healthy economy. I think this is deeply flawed thinking because a healthy economy requires proper public health measures which until now we and much of the rest of the world have benefited from. Covid is a real threat to business, never mind people, but the only way to manage it is to take active measures to reduce its transmission as much as possible.

It seems to me that these MPs are rejecting the traditional role of government in order to further their agenda of reducing the size of the state, cutting regulation and lowering taxes. But isn’t the most important job of government to protect the health of its citizens?

When I speak to people in Watford it’s clear that the great majority want the Government to improve measures to manage the crisis - not cut them. If you want some safeguards to remain after January 26 then you should write now to our local MP.

Philip Parry

SW Herts Labour Party