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Boris Johnson has said he is “concerned” about the increase in coronavirus cases in the Greater Manchester region, amid a bitter confrontation with local leaders over impending restrictions.
The area could have a Level 3 lockdown if negotiations fail, but the prime minister said he would rather “get something resolved.”
“I have to say that I am concerned about what is happening in Manchester, where infection levels are rising steeply, the level of hospitalization is rising steeply, and we need to see action,” Johnson said.
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Residents are waiting to find out if they will face further restrictions
“I would prefer not to impose things, I would prefer that we could reach an agreement with the local authorities, with the mayor of Manchester.
“But it is up to local leaders to show the kind of leadership that we have seen in Liverpool, Lancashire and London.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab issued a warning earlier, telling Sky News that ministers have “the power to proceed” to place the city on England’s highest band of measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.
After The furious dispute broke out with politicians in Manchester and Westminster. Following talks yesterday, Raab said an agreement “should be possible.”
“We would prefer to work with local leaders if possible,” he told Kay Burley.
But Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese said there were no further talks scheduled with the government today.
How Lancashire prepares to move to Level 3 on Saturday, Mr. Raab tried to pressure Manchester politicians to accept the same fate.
“We will continue talking and we will continue working,” he said.
“Obviously, ultimately, the government has powers to proceed in any case.”
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Raab added that “the right thing” for the country was to “avoid a second national blockade” before the coronavirus cases increased by 18,980 and deaths by 138 on Thursday.
“The way to do it is with a tiered approach that we have advocated,” he said.
“That will only work, the scientists tell us, if everyone really leans in and implements it to the fullest.”
Boris Johnson has urged Greater Manchester authorities to show leadership
But several politicians were unimpressed with Raab’s message on Friday.
Three mayors from the north, from Greater Manchester, North Tyne and Liverpool City Region, issued a joint statement claiming that the government was trying to paint them as “divided.”
“That is simply not the case,” they said.
“We are all united in the fight for an 80% license scheme for everyone affected by regional closures, wherever they are in the country.
“Paying two-thirds of wages will not be enough to protect the jobs of thousands of people; it should at least equal the 80% that was available under license, with the minimum wage as minimum support.”
They added that the Universal Credit recharge “is not the answer” as it “does not help everyone and takes weeks”, which means that thousands of poorly paid workers will still experience “serious difficulties” before Christmas.
Labor MP Jim McMahon also tweeted that “fewer positions” from ministers and “more practical solutions to reduce the spread of the virus and prevent economic damage … could work.”
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And John Edmunds, a scientist on the government’s scientific advisory group known as SAGE, has called on England’s ministers to follow Northern Ireland’s lead and impose a “circuit breaker.”
Johnson laid out his plans for a three-tier system to suppress a second coronavirus spike on Monday.
Lancashire is moving to Level 3, following the Liverpool City Region
At Level 1, known as Medium, areas must follow national restrictions, meaning that people can only hold social gatherings of up to six people inside or outside, with a 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants.
At Level 2, people are prohibited from mingling with other people they don’t live inside, but the Rule of Six still applies outside. Pubs and restaurants can remain open.
And on Level 3, you can’t meet anyone you don’t live with inside or outside, pubs and bars must close unless they can operate as restaurants and wedding receptions are not allowed. People should avoid nonessential travel and spend the night in another part of the UK, and local politicians will decide whether gyms, sportsbooks, casinos, hairdressers and beauty salons should close.
