West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called for the Government to follow ‘data not dates’ as it sets in law the timetable for releasing restrictions in place for over a year to combat the spread of coronavirus.

The House of Commons was called on to vote on extending the Coronavirus Act which will see laws in place until the end of September, although the national roadmap confirms that restrictions are expected to end on June 21.

Harriett has expressed her concern regarding the extensive powers held by the Government under this Act, such as rights for the police to detain children who are potentially infectious.

Harriett said: “The vaccination programme has been a tremendous success and more than half of my constituents have received their first jab. The incidence of the virus is thankfully very low again.

“I want to thank everyone who has made enormous sacrifices this year following the rules and protecting public health. Our local hospitals have seen a dramatic decline in hospitalisations.

“I’m saddened by the length of the extension of this Act as we are all hoping that restrictions will end on June 21 with decisions made following the data.

“I am alarmed by some of the draconian powers that are given to the police which I simply cannot support. I believe people have taken their own individual steps to protect themselves and their families and on a point of principle I don’t think we should be legislating in this way and for this length of time.

“I joined the Coronavirus Recovery Group of MPs to influence the Government on the way it manages the policing of this latest lockdown and we will continue to closely scrutinise its actions.

“We’re all hoping that over the coming weeks the vaccines will continue to help us escape these restrictions and we are all able to open the economy and get back to the things we love doing very soon.”