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Isle Of Wight MP Asks For "More Regular Police Presence" At Mainland Ferry Ports

The Isle of Wight's MP says he has asked for a "more regular" police presence at mainland ferry ports after tougher coronavirus rules were announced in areas such as Portsmouth.

Under new rules the Island will stay in Tier 1 - something Bob Seely says is "clearly the right decision".

He has revealed how he text Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and Health Secretary, Matt Hancock to stress that Island cases remain low.

It comes just hours after the Government announced a u-turn on plans for Christmas. The five day window allowing three households to mix has been scrapped in favour of one day - Christmas Day.

Areas in the South East and parts of London have also been placed under new, stricter rules. Portsmouth, Havant and Gosport are the nearest places to the Island now in Tier 4.

Reacting to the news, Mr Seely told Isle of Wight Radio:

"Leaving the Island in Tier 1 is clearly the right decision. I texted the Prime Minister and Matt Hancock today to stress that rates on the Island remained low.

“I speak to the police and Solent ferry operators very regularly. There is very little evidence that mainlanders are coming to the Island and abusing the rules, but we do need to be careful. 

"I have asked police to have a more regular presence on the ferry ports on the mainland side. The police on the Island are already working closely with publicans and restauranters. I thank all sides for their work.

“The vaccination process will increase next week as more centres on the Island open."
 
Government advice states “you should not travel into a Tier 4 area from another part of the UK" unless essential.
 
You can read more on the Government's latest announcement, here.

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