Moorlands MP Karen Bradley was among the Tory MPs who chose to rebel against Boris Johnson's plan to extend Coronavirus restrictions until at least 19th July.

However, Parliament approved the extension in a vote yesterday (Wednesday), as the majority of Conservative and Labour MPs gave their backing to the vote.

MPs voted 461 to 60, a majority of 401, to delay the easing of the measures, which would have come to an end on Monday (21st June) if the delay was not implemented.

It means that limits on numbers for sports events, theatres and cinemas will remain in place, nightclubs will stay shut and people will be asked to continue working from home where possible for at least another four weeks.

Opposing the delay, Moorlands MP Karen Bradley said in Parliament that she "cannot find a way" to explain to her constituents why the delay would be justified.

She added that it was not possible to "save every life" and felt there was a lack of support for weddings, hospitality and nightclubs.

She said: "With a heavy heart, I say to the Minister that I cannot support the Government this evening, because I cannot find a way to explain to my constituents why the things that they are looking forward to getting back to doing have to wait.

"I understand how it will have been put to the Minister - 'If you do not do this, Minister, it will cost lives' - but we have to accept that we cannot save every life.

"I might have been persuaded if the Government were able to support businesses that are unable to open, but that support is simply not there for the weddings industry, the hospitality sector and nightclubs.

"With a heavy heart, I will not be able to support the Government, although I will on procedural matters."