CLOCK'S TICKING
Manchester must strike Tier 3 deal by MIDDAY or be forced into lockdown
BORIS Johnson has given leaders in the North until MIDDAY or he will FORCE Greater Manchester into a Tier 3 lockdown.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick delivered the dramatic ultimatum after tense talks between the warring signs again ended in deadlock.
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Labour Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has refused to sign up to the Tier 3 measures without more cash for furloughed workers.
And leaders have argued that by spending £14million on shielding the most vulnerable instead the government would avoid the need for a Tier 3 lockdown.
But Downing Street warned the region's hospitals will be overwhelmed by a Covid surge in less than a month unless the draconian restrictions are imposed.
In a blistering intervention late last night, Mr Jenrick told Manchester they have run out of time.
He said: “The deteriorating public health situation in Greater Manchester means that we need to take action urgently.”
The deteriorating public health situation in Greater Manchester means that we need to take action urgently.
Robert Jenrick
He added: “There are now more Covid-19 patients in Greater Manchester Hospitals than in the whole of the South West and South East combined.
“But, unfortunately, despite recognising the gravity of the situation, local leaders have been so far unwilling to take the action that is required to get this situation under control.
“I have written to local leaders this evening to make clear that if we cannot reach agreement by midday tomorrow then I must advise the Prime Minister that despite our best endeavours we’ve been unable to reach agreement.
“It’s not too late for local leaders to work with us to take action for the sake of the people of Greater Manchester.”
SHIELDING PLAN
Sir Richard Leese, the leader of Manchester City Council, said that by spending £14million on shielding the most vulnerable the government would avoid the need for a Tier 3 lockdown.
He added that this would be less than a fifth of the financial cost caused by business closures if the harshest restrictions were enforced, reports.
His proposal was backed by top Tories including Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 Committee, the powerful group of Conservative backbenchers, who has been an outspoken critic of a Tier 3 lockdown in the region.
Sir Graham, MP for Altrincham and Sale West, said the plan should not be "dismissed out of hand”.
He added: "The fundamental point about Tier 3 is the proposals don't appear to have any evidential basis.
“There is no reason to think that closing some pubs and bars would have a significant impact on the spread on the virus."
But Mr Jenrick tore into the stubborn Manchester bosses yesterday for refusing to follow the example of Lancashire and Liverpool in signing up to the tough lockdown.
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A generous bailout package to help businesses hammered by the lockdown had been irresponsibly shunned by the region, he said.
He said: “We have held discussions in good faith with local leaders for ten days in order to ensure that the measures put in place were tailored to the local community.
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“We have offered an extensive package of support for local people and businesses, proportionate to the approach we have taken in the Liverpool City Region and Lancashire and in addition to the wider national support.”
More than twenty-one million Brits are set to fall under tougher lockdown rules within weeks.
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Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham admits govt can impose Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions but legal challenge still an option
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