Aylesbury MP Rob Butler writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers:

This Letter from Westminster comes in the week Buckinghamshire moves into Tier 2 – high alert of coronavirus restrictions.

I was extremely disappointed that the government made this decision and would like there to have been much more consultation with our local council and health service leaders, who have all done a brilliant job throughout the pandemic.

I have said in parliament that these decisions should be made according to local needs based on local evidence – and a key part of that is the capacity of our hospitals to look after patients with both Covid and non-Covid illnesses.

I have called on the Health Secretary to ensure the evidence that justifies the jump to Tier 2 can be seen by all, so it is clear why we must face further restrictions.

There are a few pieces of good news: non-essential shops and gyms are allowed to open their doors again, communal worship has returned, and closing time for restaurants has been extended to 11 o’clock.

The restrictions will be under regular review and I am asking ministers to robustly consider the needs of the local economy, our freedoms and our livelihoods alongside the necessity to protect public health.

Our best hope now is for a speedy return to Tier 1. Unfortunately that means more time when we can’t mix with family and friends indoors, unless they are part of our household.

It means continuing to work from home, and it means pubs that must shut unless they serve substantial meals to all their customers.

Difficult days remain, but with encouraging news about vaccines, there is a faint light at the end of the tunnel.

The fastest way for us to reach that light is to stick to the rules, so that we can stem the spread of this awful virus and regain control of our lives.