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The possibility of moving Greater Manchester to the top level of the government’s new local lockdown system will be discussed at a high-level meeting tomorrow, it was reported.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham accused the government of “building pressure on” the region “without negotiating” and said it ran the risk of misleading residents.
A deputy tonight spoke out saying it would be “completely maddening” if a change were to occur so soon after the new system came into effect.
After days of disputes, it was announced on Monday that the region would be placed at level 2 of the new Covid Alert Level system.
That meant that while homes mingling indoors would remain banned, hotel businesses wouldn’t be forced to close.
However, in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson called infection rates in the region “worrying” and lobbied local leaders, urging Labor MPs to “convince Greater Manchester authorities to enter Level 3 “.
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And the possible movement of the region to the highest category will be discussed at the top of the government that emerged tonight.
According to Sky News, a ‘golden command’ meeting will be held on Wednesday where they say the escalation of Greater Manchester and Lancashire to Level 3 will be discussed.
Broadcast reporter Inzamam Rashid said that “it may not mean that Level 3 restrictions are imminent” but that a Downing Street source had said they were “concerned” about Greater Manchester and Lancashire and that as As a result, high-level discussions had to be held.
Johnson said Monday that a ban on social mixing indoors and private gardens, and the closure of pubs and bars that do not serve meals would be a “baseline” for all areas on Level 3 with other measures to be introduced according to local circumstances.
In the Liverpool city region, the closure of the first area to be placed on level 3, gyms, leisure centers, gambling shops and casinos will also be ordered.
It would be a severe blow to the region’s already troubled hotel industry if the closures were enforced.
City council leaders, including Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese, said there was no evidence that the closure of Covid’s secure establishments had a material impact on the spread of the virus, but would pose an ‘existential threat’ ‘for businesses and city workers. .
While key figures in the region’s entertainment and hospitality industry, led by night economy advisor Sacha Lord, said they were preparing a legal challenge for any further halt to their operations.
In reaction to the development, Mr Burnham tweeted tonight saying: “Disappointing that the government is mounting pressure on GM in this way without negotiating.
“You run the risk of confusing people who come so soon after the Level 2 announcement.
“Our opinion has not changed: the unfunded restrictions are unfair and will cause real damage to lives, jobs and businesses.”
Denton and Reddish MP Andrew Gwynne said: “It will be completely maddening if the government places Greater Manchester on Level 3 before we have given Level 2 a chance … and when our local leaders have put in a complete and comprehensive package of measures are confident they will work for ministers, and have been ignored. So much for Devo! “
Boris Johnson said on Monday that the government was ready to step in and impose stricter local lockdown restrictions in areas where they believed it was necessary, even without the agreement of local politicians, a position his official spokesman repeated at a press conference today. .
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