AN MP has commented on the 'harsh reality' of a second national lockdown.

From Thursday 5th November, England is set to come under stricter Covid-19 restrictions.

Hospitality businesses as well as non essential shops will be forced to close in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

MP for Gosport, Caroline Dinenage has now spoken out about her thoughts on new restrictions.

She said: “We are all sick of this virus and want to see the back of it. However, the harsh reality is that cases of COVID-19 are rising rapidly across the country, including here in Hampshire.

"If we do not take action now, we expect to run out of hospital beds before Christmas, overwhelming our NHS and placing insurmountable pressure on our doctors and nurses who work so hard to protect us.

“I know that many constituents will be disheartened by this news, but the absence of action will have severe consequences for our vulnerable loved ones, our NHS and those with other, non-Covid related medical issues.

“I will continue to keep constituents updated and, as ever, my team and I stand by to assist in any way we can.”