AN MP has backed county council's move to push the county into a higher tier of coronavirus restrictions.

John Baron, MP for Basildon and Billericay, has supported Essex County Council's request to move the area into tier two of the Government's new system.

The request, if approved by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock, would see households in Essex banned from meeting indoors but no hospitality closures.

Gavin Callaghan, the leader of Basildon Council, has also supported the request.

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John Baron MP, said: "These are difficult decisions, but having listened to Essex County Council and public health officials, I support the request to the Government to move Essex into Tier two provisions.

"The coronavirus is sadly rising exponentially in our area, and it is best to act quickly whilst the virus is at manageable levels.

"The earlier we cut off the chain of infections, the quicker we will be able to return to Tier one, which will help save lives and give our local economy the best chance of bouncing back quickly.”

“Tier two restrictions are more onerous than what we have become used to in recent months, but I know residents will understand why they are necessary and, as they have throughout this pandemic, will respect them.”

“Meanwhile, I would like to thank all our excellent NHS staff, our contact tracers,

"Police, emergency service and council workers who are doing so much to support us during these challenging times.”