A TORY MP in the North-East has made a final plea on behalf of the hospitality sector ahead of a vote on tougher Covid tiers today.

Conservative MP for Stockton South Matt Vickers wrote to the Prime Minister asking him to "ensure Stockton's bars, pubs, breweries and restaurants are not forced to call last orders for the final time". 

He said his inbox is "filled with emails from concerned constituents" and expressed concern over the new tier system which "unfairly punishes" the hospitality sector.

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Mr Vickers is not the only Tory to raise criticise the rules, with Boris Johnson braced for a damaging Tory rebellion as MPs vote on Covid controls at 12.45 today, December 1.

The Government is expected to win the Commons vote, with rules due to come into effect tomorrow, after Labour said it would abstain.

Sir Keir Starmer – who has previously backed Government measures – said while his party had “serious misgivings” it would not be in the national interest to vote them down when the virus still posed a “serious risk”.

However, with scores of Conservative MPs deeply unhappy at the extent of the restrictions, the vote is likely to throw Tory divisions into sharp relief.

In the letter, sent yesterday afternoon, Mr Vickers said: "I understand fully the precarious balancing act the Government is trying to maintain between saving lives and protecting livelihoods. 

"I have very much welcomed the recent proposal to allow non-essential retain, gyms and leisure centres, salons and barbers to reopen on Wednesday. This will have a positive impact on businesses and jobs in Stockton South. 

"however we cannot escape the industry that feels it is being unfairly punished - the hospitality sector.

"Landlords, restaurants, cafe owners, their staff and the wider supply chain across Stockton have made huge sacrifices as we battle against coronavirus.

"Despite mounting debts and little prospect of a swift return to normal income levels, they never grumbled but were thankful to be able to serve once again. They even ensured compliance with the social distancing rules and despite obvious frustrations, they strictly enforced the 10pm curfew when it was announced. 

"In Tier 3, where Stockton finds itself, there is huge concern about hospitality businesses remaining closed during Christmas period which would often produce much needed profits to keep their business going through leaner months.

"Even after a further reduction in the infectio rates and the ossibility of being moved into Tier 2, this offers little comfort to these businesses and still poses limitiaions with no households mixing and the 'substantial meal rule.

"For those 'wet' pubs without the facilities to offer such a meal, their feasibility to operate is non-existent. 

"I ask you to look agin at the impact of the tiered system ... I ask you to reconsider the proposals or relax them as soon as possible to help save the great British pub."