A COUNTY MP rebelled against the government on a vote over the 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin was amongst 42 Conservative MPs who rebelled against the government during a vote on its new three-tier alert system last week.

The vote in Westminster was only symbolic as the rules have been in force since the start of the month and remained in the new three-tier alert system which came into operation last Wednesday (October 14).

Mrs Baldwin said the curfew could possibly do more worse than good.

“Local people have taken extraordinary steps over recent months to help slow the spread of the virus and help to take the pressure off the NHS,” she said.

“With winter drawing in, there are clearly heightened risks and the Government has simplified the local rules to make them easier to understand and comply.

“I am pleased that Worcestershire remains in the lowest category and by following the rules, I hope this will continue.

“I have been very clear that Parliament should get to debate and vote these changes and reflect the views of constituents and local business people, and most importantly, that the Government listens to all viewpoints is it hones the national response to this global pandemic.

“The 10pm curfew is a measure with marginal disease control benefit according to SAGE and possible perverse disbenefits and a high economic cost.”

The rebel Tory MPs joined some 23 Labour MPs, including former leader Jeremy Corbyn, in voting against the government, but did not inflict a defeat on Prime Minister Boris Johnson, with most Labour MPs abstaining.

Several Conservative MPs spoke out against the three-tier restrictions scheme, but the House of Commons backed them by 299 votes to 82.