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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The 32-year-old man and 30-year-old woman arrested in the murder probe of an 11-year-old boy in Lincoln have both been released on police bail, without any charges.
The man was arrested on suspicion of murder and the woman on suspicion of manslaughter after an incident at a house on Geneva Street on St Giles in Lincoln.
Police were called to the house at 10pm on Friday night, January 22.
The 11-year-old boy was found unwell at the scene and was taken to hospital for treatment.
He was pronounced dead a short time later.
At the time Lincolnshire Police said the death was unexplained and it was treated as murder.
The man and the woman arrested at the weekend were released on police bail on Monday evening.
Lincolnshire Police said in a statement on Monday night:
“Once again, we’d like to remind people that this is an active investigation and that an 11-year-old boy has sadly lost his life.
“Speculative comments are not only deeply upsetting to those involved but can potentially undermine our investigation.
“If you have any information that can help, call 101 or email [email protected] quoting incident 472 of January 22.”
Ten people from Boston have been given fines for breaching COVID-19 regulations by driving dangerously in supermarket car parks.
Officers were called after three separate reports of dangerous driving in the car parks of Lidl and Tesco in Wyberton Fen, as well as on Marsh Lane Industrial Estate in Boston.
All three incidents took place and were reported to police between 5pm and 6pm on Sunday, January 24, though it is unsure if they were connected at all.
When officers arrived, the drivers were seen doing donut manoeuvres and racing in the snow.
A total of 10 people were given £200 fines for breaking lockdown guidelines, but this will be reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days, due to all being first time offenders.
As well as the COVID-19 fines, two of the vehicles were also seized as a result of being uninsured, with drivers reported.
A traffic offence report was also submitted after one driver was seen to be driving not just dangerously but out of control.
Inspector Fran Harrod of Lincolnshire Police said: “We would like to thank the public for bringing these incidents of dangerous driving to our attention.
“This is not only extremely dangerous to those taking part but to others in these areas.
“While we continue to engage and explain with the public, this was a blatant breach of the restrictions which will not be tolerated.”
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