“We know this is going to be a difficult time for you. Please everyone observe the law and follow the advice. Above all, please look out for each other.”
The words of Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham as he addressed a press conference outside the Bridgewater confirming that negotiations with the Government over its Tier 3 lockdown had finished
The Mayor confirmed that the Government had walked away at 2.00pm after Manchester’s political leaders had reduced their claim for financial assist from £90m to £75m and finally to £65m
“It wasn’t about what we wanted it was about what we needed to protect our people from poverty” said the Mayor
To accept any further restrictions… would be certain to increase levels of poverty, homelessness and hardship”
Most people affected by a Tier 3 lockdown are those “too often forgotten by those in power” he added calling on calls on parliament to establish a “fair financial framework” for regions going into Tier 3.
stressed it was not just about the North West, saying “all parts of the country might find themselves in Tier 3 lockdown.”
The region is expected to enter Tier 3 as early as tonight but without any clarity over what financial package is being offered to support jobs and businesses.
