Rutland MP Alicia Kearns has come under fire after she applauded the end of the national lockdown.

The MP praised constituents for abiding by its rules "with such a sense of civic duty" but was attacked for voting for the Tier system of restrictions in Parliament on Tuesday night.

Mrs Kearns said on her Facebook page yesterday that the end of restrictions are in sight, with the announcement of the first vaccine being approved, but "we return to the strengthened tier system to maintain our control over COVID-19."

She commented; "This is by no means another lockdown or a renewal of previous measures in England. "

The changes meant residents of both Rutland (Tier 2) and Melton (Tier 3) are free to leave their homes as they please – hairdressers, nail bars, gyms, swimming pools and shops are open again, people can got to church and meet friends in parks and public gardens if adhering to the rule of 6.

But the MP cotinued: "In Melton particularly, we need to focus on adhering to the restrictions and drive cases down so I can make the strongest possible case to Government that we should be separated from Leicester City when assigning tiers at the December 16th review point.

"As ever, my team and I stand ready to support those who are in need, but I very much hope our new freedoms will be enjoyed by all."

However, the MP faced much criticism in response.

Neil Boyd said: "Good one but lockdown isn't over really is it? Thanks for your support for the local area yesterday btw What 'new freedoms' are you talking about?

"You mean the freedoms that we already had and were taken from us because of bad judgement? It would be nice to say that you are either a good MP, a good actress or even a good comedienne but unfortunately none of those apply."

Dan Husband said: "You hope our new freedoms are enjoyed but you voted for more restrictions."

Bow Trowell said: "No one took any notice [of the lockdown] , folks still went about their daily lives.

"The only thing you muppets in office managed, was to screw up the leisure industry and force closure. Thus aiding in the demise of a lot of independent traders.

"You have all lost the plot, and made a complete mess of handling this pandemic.

"You will be very lucky come Election Day to still have a seat."

Pete Bown said: "Alicia help the hospitality trade, get them open, help my mental health, let us socialize."

David Thompson said: "Being in Tier 3, from Tier 1 before Lockdown 2, I am struggling to see the point of the Lockdown in the first place. Lockdowns cause massive damage to business and jobs, without enough benefit."