A LOCAL MP has called for the evidence behind local lockdowns to be made clear as analysis shows infection rates in Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees have all increased despite the extra restrictions.

Labour leader Keir Starmer called on the Prime Minister to “level with” communities affected by coronavirus restrictions after new analysis showed that 19 out of 20 areas in local lockdown have seen increases.

Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin: "My constituents in Batley & Spen have had restrictions in place since the end of July, with some areas having them lifted before they were reimposed a few weeks later, with little to no explanation from the government. We need to know the evidence for these lockdowns, as we can’t ask people to accept these restrictions without telling them why.”

Echoing Keir Starmer’s statement, she added: “Communities like mine in Batley & Spen deserve answers. With restrictions clearly not having the effect the Prime Minister wanted, will he give local authorities the power to target interventions using their knowledge, instead of ruling by decree from Whitehall.”

Infection rates have rise in Kirklees by six times, in Bradford by five times and in Calderdale by three times since the restrictions began in July.

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Speaking in Prime Ministers Questions, Keir Starmer said: “The Prime Minister really needs to understand that local communities are angry and frustrated. So will he level with the people of Bury, Burnley and Bolton and tell them: what does he think the central problem is that’s causing this?

He added: “The Prime Minister can’t explain why an area goes into restrictions. He can’t explain what the different restrictions are, and he can’t explain how restrictions end. This is getting ridiculous.”