Health Secretary Matt Hancock praises Burnley residents as tighter lockdown restrictions removed

Praising people’s response to what he called difficult local measures he spoke of the wholehearted thanks he has for residents in Burnley, Padiham and local villages all of whom have worked together to “drive down the virus”.

Responding in the House of Commons chamber, Secretary of State Matt Hancock said: “The case rate has come down in Burnley and I pay tribute to … every single resident in Burnley who has played their part. Absolutely the enhanced support will continue in Burnley”.

The discussion in the House of Commons follows last week’s news that the local restrictions placed on the borough were to be lifted today, just over a month after initially coming into force.

The MP had made clear in a letter to the Secretary of State before the Government announcement that he supported a more targeted approach to restrictions, removing those parts of the borough where it was safe to do so and giving further support to other parts.

The Government confirmed in its statement on Friday that the most recent data supported the whole borough being removed from restriction and, as an Area of Enhanced Support, Burnley would continue to benefit from additional expertise and testing.

Speaking after his question to Matt Hancock, Mr Higginbotham said: “I know that these restrictions have been tough for everyone, with people unable to see family and friends and some businesses still unable to operate.

"I’m very pleased to see we’re now moving in the right direction, which has led us to be able to be in the same position as the rest of the country. That is down to our efforts and sacrifices here.

"Moving forwards we cannot be complacent though and need to make sure that we continue be vigilant. That means sticking with our first line of defence through more frequent hand washing, social distancing and face masks when in crowded places; and having a robust second line with significant testing and engagement with NHS Test and Trace.”