A SUSSEX MP said people "will not follow" the new Tier regulations because they are not "logical" as he voted against the government this evening.

Tim Loughton, Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, was among 50 Tory rebels who voted against the introduction of the coronavirus tier system.

The measures, which will come into force at 00:01 GMT, were supported by 291 votes to 78.

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Speaking in the Commons, Mr Loughton said: "I cannot support these regulations. I like many others want to look their constituents in the eye and come to a decision which we think is in their best interests.

"I can trump everyone here because Worthing has 28 cases out of 100,000 - the lowest in the country. Adur is 45.

"Our infection rates are falling, and yet tomorrow, my constituency will be going into Tier 2, having started the lockdown in Tier 1.

"Where is the logic in that?"

Mr Loughton also questioned how a Scotch egg can be classed as a substantial meal, and said: "How is it safer to have one with your meal rather than a quiet pint with your mate?

"We need to have logical, consistent, proportionate and fair regulations for people to have the confidence to follow them - these are not.”

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The new system means more than 55 million people in the country will be placed in the top two strictest tiers.

Labour MPs were ordered to abstain in the vote after party leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "far from convinced" the new restrictions would work and more support for business is needed.