THE new tougher tier system will be put in place today after being passed by MPs in the House of Commons.

The measures, which came into force today, were supported by 291 votes to 78.

Barrow MP Simon Fell was sceptical of bringing back the Tier system and remained undecided before the debate on the motion yesterday but decided to vote with the Government.

Mr Fell said: “The government has given much ground thanks to those of us who have held their feet to the fire this week.

“We now have a better data dashboard (visit coronavirus.data.gov.uk), a clear map of the measures needed to move up and down tiers, and more support for hospitality (though not nearly enough). There has also been an agreement by the PM to look at more local data than the current regional approach.

“There is much more to lobby and argue for, and I will continue to do so, but these are important concessions.

“No matter which way I voted tonight, these measures would pass. With the Labour Party choosing to abstain on this crucial vote the government has an absolute majority.

“I considered abstaining myself, but I was sent to this place to make decisions. And this is the most bitterly tough decision I've faced so far.

“In the end, what has swayed me has been the clear ask from local healthcare leaders who have requested that I back these measures. They worry about capacity, especially as we head into the busiest time of the year for the NHS no matter the year, but especially as a global pandemic rages.”

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale abstained voting on the motion stating more needed to be done to protect jobs and livelihoods.

The Mail: PLEAING: Tim Farron MP in the House of CommonsPLEAING: Tim Farron MP in the House of Commons

Mr Farron said: “We cannot let this virus get out of control, and so I believe restrictions are still necessary.

“But there must be a better way than the one that the Government has chaotically thrown together, and I cannot in all conscience vote for their plans as they currently stand.

“We need a system that protects jobs and livelihoods and that puts decision making in the hands of local authorities and local public health teams who know their communities far better than people sat behind desks in Whitehall.

“And that is what I will continue to fight for.”