OTLEY’S MP has backed the new local restrictions that have been brought in to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

Leeds City Council recently announced that it is now, as it was during the national lockdown, against the law for residents to have guests in their home or garden - or to visit someone else’s property or garden.

Legally, people can still meet others from outside their household in cafés and bars - though the council is advising against this.

And Leeds residents can also continue to visit, stay overnight with and go to public places with someone who is in their support ‘bubble’.

MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) is backing the new rules which are expected to stay in force through the winter and have been brought in to try to stem a worrying rise in the infection rate of COVID-19.

He said: “The council have made a very difficult but in my view the correct call to introduce these measures.

“Once again people need to make significant sacrifices and endure disruption to their lives to help arrest the rapid growth in infections which are spreading out geographically.

“In order to install confidence, the Government need to release data, modelling and any other evidence that shows people that this will be an effective way of dealing with the significant rise in cases throughout West Yorkshire and the North of England in general.

“Above all the message is adhere to social distancing, wear a mask in indoor public spaces and wash your hands well and often.

“As always, I want to thank the people of Leeds for continuing to do what is asked of them to protect others and the vulnerable in society.

“We must do all we can to rid ourselves of this deadly virus.”

The MP abstained in the recent vote to renew the Coronavirus Act, which grants the Government emergency powers to tackle the pandemic.

He said: “The Government brought the Coronavirus Act back to Parliament for renewal. I had many concerns about elements of the act including the executive power grab and fact they won’t have to bring it before Parliament regularly.

“Alongside Labour and SNP MPs, I abstained on the renewal as key elements of the Act are needed in these unprecedented times.”

The powers under the Coronavirus Act, which was passed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, have to be renewed by Parliament every six months.

MPs approved the motion to renew by 330 votes to 24, a 306 majority.

But the Government had earlier been forced to promise greater consultation with MPs, along with a Commons vote when possible, on any new coronavirus lockdown restrictions as a concession.