The MP for Lincoln said “this is not democracy as I know it” after he rebelled against the latest lockdown vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday night.
Karl McCartney was one of just 16 MPs who voted against restrictions and the only one in Greater Lincolnshire to rebel the new lockdown. 322 Tory MPs voted in favour, including Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh, who spoke against the lockdown in the debate.
His reasoning for voting against the third national lockdown was the negative economic impact on small businesses, the lost classroom days at schools and the outcomes for isolated constituents’ mental well-being.
Mr McCartney said he “had no choice in [his] mind and belief, but to vote against” the third lockdown.
“I also cannot in all good conscience ignore the damaging consequences that lockdowns have on the wellbeing of our society – of all ages
“This includes the hugely negative implications for many individuals’ psychological wellbeing and economic security, both of which can have grave consequences for general health.
“Additionally, the mental wellbeing of school pupils is not fully being considered in my view with regard to school closures, and the decision to cancel the various external exams later in this school year.”
He added: “In the 21st Century surely we could, and should, have made provisions to ensure these went ahead.”
Votes by party on lockdown three. | Graph: UK Parliament
Here’s the full list of MP votes for Greater Lincolnshire:
Karl McCartney, Lincoln – No
Victoria Atkins, Louth and Horncastle – Aye
Gareth Davies, Grantham and Stamford – Aye
Sir John Hayes, South Holland and the Deepings – Aye
Caroline Johnson, Sleaford and North Hykeham – Aye
Sir Edward Leigh, Gainsborough – Aye
Matt Warman, Boston and Skegness – Aye
Lia Nici, Greater Grimsby – Aye
Andrew Percy, Brigg and Goole – Aye
Martin Vickers, Cleethorpes – Aye
Holly Mumby-Croft, Scunthorpe – Aye
Mr McCartney said: “There are various reasons for my vote yesterday evening, but especially as a libertarian Conservative, who holds the freedom loving values of the United Kingdom close to my heart, any proposal for restrictions on civil liberties is an extremely difficult decision to make and agree with — especially one which after ten months is extended with no checks for a further three months – a quarter of another year. That is not democracy as I know it.”
He said: “I fully understand the threat COVID-19 represents. I do hope that my constituents, the wider Lincolnshire electorate, and of course our fellow citizens of our nation follow the guidelines and laws as now laid out by our Prime Minister and government.”
The Lincoln MP finished: “There is light at the end of the tunnel for this crisis. Together, we will win the war against COVID-19, and I of course do hope that this is much sooner rather than later.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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