THIS week, Aylesbury MP Rob Butler writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers about the latest coronavirus restrictions put in place this week. He writes:

This Letter from Westminster comes at another difficult time, with the Prime Minister’s announcement this week of further restrictions because of the escalation in cases of coronavirus.

I have heard from many local people who are keen to see life return to normal as quickly as possible, not least because of the need to revive the economy and protect jobs.

I therefore know that the latest developments will come as a bitter blow across Buckinghamshire – to parents and grandparents, to schoolchildren and students, to employees and to the retired.

I am acutely aware that there are groups that are particularly hard hit by any restrictions, such as disabled people and those running their own small businesses.

I have raised the needs of these groups in Westminster, both with ministers personally, and on the floor of the House of Commons, and I will continue to do so – constituents should always feel free to write to me if they think I can help.

For now, though, I fear that I must once more ask for your sacrifice, your cooperation, and more of your patience, as we all continue to tackle the scourge of the coronavirus pandemic.

The measures announced this week have been finely balanced, and we will need to stick to them carefully if we are to avoid a second lockdown in the weeks and months ahead.

And I hope you will forgive me for repeating that we can make most difference by respecting the rules of hands – face – space: washing our hands regularly for at least 20 seconds; wearing a face covering in designated public places; and staying two metres away from others whenever possible.

In advance, I thank you very much for playing your part to help us get through this together.