THIS week, Wycombe MP Steve Baker writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers:

Since we have been living with coronavirus, hundreds of constituents have contacted me.

Everyone agrees it is important to keep vulnerable people safe, and the vast majority of people are observing the guidelines to do this.

However, I have also heard from people devastated by the effect the restrictions have had on their business or livelihood, and also by some who are concerned about personal liberty being constrained.

The temporary closure of Cineworld in the town centre, and the consequent loss of jobs, has shown vividly what this means in real life.

Over the last few days, I have been arguing in Westminster for Parliamentary scrutiny of the coronavirus restrictions, not because they are necessarily wrong, but because I believe they must have parliamentary consent.

I am pleased the government has now agreed we should have a system which allows for prompt and effective action and yet prior parliamentary approval in the future before major national coronavirus measures come into effect.

Research indicates we reap the most public health benefits by giving people the tools to comply by clear, evidence-based messaging rather than coercing them into submission.

103 Acts of Parliament have enabled 256 statutory instruments related to the disease. Rapid alteration to the rules have been commonplace, changing almost 200 times since March.

It is no wonder people can be confused about what rules apply in what circumstances.

The government is following scientific evidence and advice but of course scientists disagree.

I have made some suggestions on how to improve advice.

If a good coronavirus vaccine is a few weeks away, then it may be the right strategy to suppress the virus, but otherwise we must find a way to return to normal life as much as possible whilst continuing to protect the vulnerable.

I am now working to that end.