NORTH East MPs have added their voice to ministers, NHS workers and the police urging people to stay as close to home as possible when exercising or going on their daily walk. The Home Secretary has defended the way police have handed out fines for lockdown breaches, warning that officers “will not hesitate” to take action. Priti Patel said the increasing number of new Covid-19 cases proved there was a need for “strong enforcement” in cases where people were clearly breaking the rules. Police tactics have come in for scrutiny after Derbyshire Police handed out £200 fines to two women who drove separately to go for a walk at a remote beauty spot situated around five miles from their homes.