Luton North MP calls for government assurances amid threat of local lockdown

In an strongly-worded letter to the Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Ms Owen demanded a series of assurances on testing, powers and funding for local decision makers and Luton businesses who are still recovering from the initial lockdown.

Luton has entered the top ten infection rates among local authorities in England, with 13 new instances of coronavirus confirmed yesterday (Tuesday) bringing the town's total to 1,519.

This followed five new cases which were added on Tuesday, two on Monday, and a peak of 34 over the weekend.

The Luton North MP will today meet with council officials to discuss the developing situation and ways in which that the town’s rising R rate might be put under control.

Ms Owen: “I really hope we can avoid a local lockdown in Luton.

“As our rate of infection increases locally, people are worried and need reassurance from government. When we look to Leicester’s local lockdown, the right support from central government has not been in place for local people.

“We need more testing, more support for business and more support for local public health experts to help beat this virus.

“I continue to be emphatic in encouraging people to follow covid-19 guidance as closely as they can - wash your hands regularly, get tested if you can, maintain social distancing, don’t meet in large groups, wear a mask when you’re out and self-isolate if you think you have symptoms.”