A CORNISH MP has explained why he decided to vote against a second lockdown earlier today.

West Cornwall's Derek Thomas, MP for the St Ives constituency that also covers Helston and the Lizard Peninsula, was one of 32 Tory rebels who broke rank to vote against the latest Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 bill that went before parliament this afternoon.

While the vote was passed by 512 votes to 37, receiving cross-party support, a small group of Conservative MPs, which included Mr Thomas, voted against the introduction of a second lockdown.

Read next: Cornwall MP among 32 Tory rebels voting against second lockdown

Now Mr Thomas has explained his reasoning, saying: "Primarily, because across Cornwall in the last lockdown - which I did absolutely support, as it was necessary to do it then - I saw the impact that it had on people's lives and businesses."

Another factor, he said, was that as chair of three parliamentary health groups, he was "acutely aware" that people with other conditions, such as diabetes, were being adversely affected.

"We have seen real turmoil for people with diabetes and other conditions," he said.

"A national lockdown when needed, fine. But on this occasion I can't look my constituents in the eye and and say that this is the best for you.

"I just had no peace with it."

Mr Thomas said he had lobbied Number 10 and Health Secretary Matt Hancock to bring in legal travel restrictions, to strengthen the tier system instead, believing that it had not been given a chance to take full effect.

"We're not seeing the rise we saw [previously]. A lockdown is a brutal blunt instrument that impacts people that have been doing the very best they could all year.

"We have got people who have been hanging on to their businesses, and they have done everything they can to save it.

"My constituents have done a fantastic job of adapting and keeping people safe, and for some reason they have to close again," he added.

In response to those who raise concerns about the size of Truro's Royal Cornwall Hospital and it being the only main hospital for such a large area, he said: "We had all sorts of predictions going into the first lockdown but Treliske coped with that fantastically.

"They crated more capacity than they used in the end, and I see no reason why that can't be done again.

"And we haven't got a cure [for coronavirus] but we know much more about how to treat people and restrict spread.

"I just don't see why we can't keep protecting Cornwall and our NHS by the tier system. I think the government has jumped too early."

And he pointed to the fact that Cornwall had two million visitors in the summer without any major impact, adding: "I have nothing but pride for my constituency."

Cornwall's five other MPs voted in favour of the bill.