As a country we have turned a corner in the fight against coronavirus, thanks to the British scientific breakthrough on vaccines and the imminent launch of rapid turnaround testing. However, while this is no longer an epidemic without end, we must first navigate the next few difficult months ahead.

We continue to tread a very fine line between protecting our health and wellbeing and saving our economy. This is one of the reasons why I have written to the Secretary of State for Health last week to say I will not be able to support a further national lockdown, with all the impact it has for West Dorset, without a clear assessment and debate in Parliament.

As we hopefully move to a modified tiered approach from 2nd December, there are many positives; with our shops, salons, gyms and wider leisure sectors reopening for business and our sporting fixtures returning – albeit with reduced capacity.

The return of collective worship is also something I have also been pressing for and the news that we can attend church services during Advent will be important to so many, as will the opportunity for weddings once more.

I welcome the Government’s common-sense approach too, in extending the 10pm hospitality curfew to 11pm. This is something I’d called for in support of our village pubs and micro-breweries in particular.

Understandably, Christmas is now the prime focus for many. However, I believe this must be tempered with realism, in that we cannot afford a surge in cases during January, with the impact that would have on our local NHS services.

I very much hope for a cautious and balanced approach on this and urge us all to continue to take personal responsibility for ourselves and others, and in particular the vulnerable, as we make plans to meet up with loved ones this Christmas.

CHRIS LODER

MP FOR WEST DORSET