Concerted action across parties from Devon and Cornwall MP today- However, Neil Parish appears to be missing.

Simon Jupp East Devon MP: “I’m proud to represent a popular holiday destination but it is completely irresponsible and against government guidelines to come to holiday parks and second homes in East Devon.

“For the sake of yourself, friends, family and our NHS, social isolation is the only responsible course of action.”

Owl can’t find a corresponding statement from Neil Parish

Ben Bradshaw’s, longer, comment below.

Richard Booth  www.devonlive.com

MPs across the region have backed the call for tourists and second home owners in Devon and Cornwall to ‘Come back later’ in a bid to save the lives of those who live here during the coronavirus virus.

“Devon and Cornwall understandably proud it’s renowned stunning coastlines, wide open spaces and gallons of fresh air and thrive from the millions of visitors who come to enjoy our part of the world each year.

However, the outbreak of coronavirus in the UK has changed our day to day lives while the government is calling for the nation to stop all non essential travel in a bid to stop the spread of the disease that has so tragically already claimed 240 lives in the UK, four in Cornwall and two in Devon.

In the South West we not only do we have a proportion of elderly people living here, those who are some of the most vulnerable to coronavirus, but we also have NHS trusts that are stretched to capacity without any extra pressure.

We want to help saves lives and help bring an end to the outbreak as soon as we possibly can.

Therefore we are aiming to spread the message of come back later as far and as wide as possible through a campaign launching today – #comebacklater.”

Earlier this week Cornwall became the first major UK tourism destination to tell visitors to stay away until the coronavirus crisis is over. This message has been echoed by Cherilyn Mackrory MP for Truro and Falmouth who simply said “do not come” in a message in full below.

It came as reports suggested that ministers’ pleas for Britons to avoid non-essential travel and practise social distancing were being widely ignored, with people heading outdoors to enjoy sunny weather.

It is feared tourists will put unnecessary strain on the NHS and other emergency services amid the coronavirus crisis.

“The coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented situation and as a nation we must take the strongest measures to slow its spread and support our NHS.”

“With schools now closed and Easter approaching I have been working with my Cornish MP colleagues to ensure the voice of Cornwall is heard during this crisis.”

“The Government has responded with huge and sweeping changes across our society to help us deal with this outbreak. More announcements will come in the coming days. The Government’s advice on movement during this time is very clear: Do not travel unnecessarily.”

“Coming on holiday during this time to Cornwall or anywhere else is not necessary travel. My message to anyone considering travelling to Cornwall for a holiday at this time is simple:”

“Do not come.”

“We are always happy to welcome visitors during normal times. But these are not normal times.”

Cornish MP, Steve Double, said he had received reports of Cornwall’s roads flooded with tourists since travel bans to Spain, Italy and the US were announced.

He said: “The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sees us in unprecedented times for both Cornwall and the UK. This is likely to be the greatest challenge any of us will have faced in our lifetimes, and it is crucial we take it seriously.

“It is important everyone follows the advice laid out by the Government to slow and stop the spread of this virus and do everything we can to support our essential public services, especially our NHS.

“That includes avoiding non-essential travel. By anyone’s assessment a holiday at this time is not essential.

“So therefore, regrettably we are asking people not to come on holiday to Cornwall at this time.

“We need to stop the spread of this virus and also need to protect our NHS and keep our supermarket shelves stocked. An influx of thousands of tourists in the coming weeks will put unnecessary pressure on our services.

“As a supporter of the tourism and hospitality industry we fully understand the huge and grave challenges facing the sector at this time and why some businesses may want to take this opportunity to bring visitors to Cornwall.

“However, this is first and foremost a medical and health crisis. We must not underestimate how serious this is and our first priority has to be to protect the public from this dangerous virus.

“We continue to press the Government for more measures to support all businesses affected by this crisis but the overriding concern has to be to keep people safe and well.”

“Please take all the appropriate steps to keep you and your family safe, and help Cornwall stay safe and well by avoid coming here on holiday at this time.”

North Devon MP Selaine Saxby

MP for North Devon Selaine Saxby posted on social media: “These are uncertain times which are difficult for us all to deal with.  Yesterday I spoke to many businesses who were grappling with balancing the best for their customers, staff and business. 

 “Following the Chancellor’s announcement many of our best-known hotels and holiday parks took the difficult to decision to close last night.  I very much hope that other tourist and leisure businesses will follow their lead and not encourage more visitors to North Devon at this difficult time.

“Whilst pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and cafes were left with no option but to close, I recognise it is difficult for businesses that have to take the decision themselves.  We must “Stay at Home … Protect the NHS … Save Lives” and this should influence your decision. This does not mean stay in a holiday home or indulge in non-essential travel with your motorhome or caravan.

“Our fantastic North Devon District Hospital simply does not have sufficient critical care facilities to deal with any significant changes in population numbers.

“I would like to reassure everyone here in North Devon that I am working tirelessly to address this.  In the past 24 hours I have been in touch with our Council Leaders, Ministers and Number Ten to see what can be done to stop visitors to us at this time.

“I very much hope anyone even thinking about coming to North Devon makes the right decision and doesn’t.  Right now I urge you to #StaySafeStayHome. I also hope that holiday parks and campsites that are still open use the extensive new support detailed by the Chancellor last night to enable them to take the right decision and close their doors to protect our NHS and Save Lives.

“These are unprecedented times, and I know we will welcome our visitors with open arms as soon as we can, but unfortunately, that time is not now.”

Ben Bradshaw

Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw said: “When this nightmare is over we will welcome visitors to the South West with open arms, but, at the moment, please stay away.

“The last things our already stretched health and social care services need is an influx of second home owners or others from Covid19 hotspots in and around London coming “on holiday” to our region.

“The Government must make absolutely clear that avoiding non essential travel means exactly that and follow the leads of other European countries, which have told people not to visit or move to traditional holiday destinations.”

Simon Jupp 

Simon Jupp East Devon MP: “I’m proud to represent a popular holiday destination but it is completely irresponsible and against government guidelines to come to holiday parks and second homes in East Devon.

“For the sake of yourself, friends, family and our NHS, social isolation is the only responsible course of action.”

Anthony Mangnall

Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, whose Totnes constituency includes South Hams, tweeted: “Lets be clear ‘non-essential travel’ does not mean you can undertake leisure travel. This could have a huge impact on frontline services.

“Please don’t travel across the country. Remain at home and self isolate and think of others.”

Sheryll Murray

Conservative MP for South East Cornwall, Sheryll Murray added: “Some Holiday cottages are saying to come here because it’s safer than London. Please emphasise you cannot escape to the South West to avoid the virus -stay home Stay safe.”

Luke Pollard

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, added: “For the past year we have all been promoting Plymouth as the centre of Mayflower 400 commemorations.

“We need to postpone those events. Plymouth will remain one of the nation’s best places to visit in 2021 but for now please stay home with your family, avoid travelling and make a plan to come back later.”