EAST Lancashire’s Conservative MPs look set to back the government’s new coronavirus restrictions despite concerns about their impact on the county.

With several Tories considering rebelling in tomorrow’s vote, Rossendale and Darwen’s Jake Berry and Pendle’s transport minister Andrew Stephenson will support tiering.

Hyndburn's Sara Britcliffe, her Burnley counterpart Antony Higginbotham and Blackburn Labour MP Kate Hollern have yet to make up their minds.

Mr Berry said: "It seems reasonable that my constituency should remain in tier three restrictions as infection rates are higher than the national average. I am relying on assurances there will be more help for hospitality and tiering will be subject to regular review.”

Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe said: “I am minded to vote for but I am still considering the impact on the hospitality sector. Hyndburn has had a high number of cases but they are starting to come down.”

Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham said: “I haven’t yet decided how I will vote and will wait to read the full impact assessment as well as holding further discussions with local health officials. It is very disappointing Burnley, which has had significant restrictions for such a long time, is going into tier three.”

Mrs Hollern said: “I will listen to concerns raised by residents and discuss with the council and others the implications for Blackburn, before I make a decision"

She added: “Whilst I recognise the need to get the infection rates down and protect the most vulnerable, I want reassurance that Blackburn will get the financial support promised for our businesses and to enable people to self-isolate, alongside mass testing and a clear pathway to exit tier three as safely and as quickly as possible.”

Speaker and Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle and his deputy Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, will not take part in the vote but have made private representations to the Prime Minister opposing the whole of Lancashire going into tier three.

Mr Stephenson said: “I shall be supporting the government on tiering.

“I have been in discussion with ministers over the weekend about additional support for those in the hospitality sector in tier three areas.

“I think we have made some progress and the tiers will be regularly reviewed.”