Felixstowe's MP Therese Coffey has warned Suffolk could move into Tier Four if people are not sensible over the festive period.

Works and Pension cabinet minister and Suffolk Coastal MP Dr Coffey backed the government's tough stance over Christmas, and even though the county has remained in Tier Two, she warned there was a genuine risk of moving to a higher tier.

"This new variant is transmitting much more quickly so it needed a quick response," said Dr Coffey.

"I know it will be uncomfortable for a lot of people, but as I have said before we just need to keep going with the basics - washing our hands, keeping our distance. Hands. Face. Space.

"We have to be careful that we don't end up going into Tier 3 and Tier 4 in the future. There is a genuine risk that we might end up there. People have to be very sensible and careful over the next fortnight in particular.

"It's going to be difficult for people with a Christmas bubble with the new tighter restrictions that we have.

"But nevertheless, it's a sensible approach to try and limit the spread of the virus. Especially recognising how many people have been in Ipswich Hospital recently."

East Suffolk, which includes the Felixstowe peninsula, has seen its recent confirmed cases rise during December.