After the government imposed tighter restrictions on four new areas in the North of England, one Mayor has denounced this decision, saying "we weren't listened to".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons the infection rate in the region had risen to 268 per 100,000 people, and it was time to extend measures to Liverpool, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.
Mayor of Middlesborough Andy Preston said he "went to the government with fantastic, intelligent, pragmatic proposals to keep people safe, protect our society, make sure people don't get lonely approaching six months of dark nights, make sure people are looked after."
But, despite this, tight measures were imposed.
"As things stand, I do not accept these proposals," Mr Preston says. "They are unnecessary. They go too far."
The Conservative MP for Middlesbrough, Simon Clarke, said it was important to follow the rules to bring down infections as quickly.
Britain reported 7,108 new infections Wednesday and 71 coronavirus-related deaths.
The country's official coronavirus death toll has surpassed 42,000 -- the highest in Europe.
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