Greater Manchester is to be placed into Tier 3 restrictions unilaterally, after the Government called off talks with local leaders without reaching a compromise.
Discussions went on after the midday deadline, and Boris Johnson himself intervened with two phone calls between him and Mayor Andy Burnham, before they were called off this afternoon.
The discussions fell down over money with one source telling Sky News “ “We asked for £75m They offered £60m We came down to £65m but they still wouldn’t shift. £60m was unacceptable because no better than Lancs / Liverpool”
Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell tweeted
“The government clearly doesn’t really care about supporting businesses and protecting jobs AND protecting health because they are prepared to cause huge breakdown over £5m (a tiny fraction of what they’ve spent elsewhere). This is politics at its worst, not public health“
All pubs and bars will be shut for 28 days, unless they are serving substantial meals.
Betting shops, casinos, bingo halls, adult gaming centres, and soft play areas will also be forced to close.
Boris Johnson is due to address the nation in another press conference at 5.00pm
Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer said that the collapse of these talks is a sign of Government failure.
“The Conservatives have been treating local communities, particularly in the Midlands, North West and North East, and their leaders with contempt.
“Labour recognise the need for stricter public health restrictions. However, that must be accompanied by extra financial support.
“Labour will continue to support Andy Burnham and local leaders in the North West in the fight for people’s jobs, lives and livelihoods.”
