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Andy Burnham says he will abide by the law and “accept” the Level 3 coronavirus restrictions for Greater Manchester if the government imposes them.
The mayor of the region told Sky News that it was “the prerogative” of the ministers to announce the measures, if negotiations for the next few hours end in a stalemate.
He and other local leaders have until noon today to reach an agreement on the transfer of three million people to the highest band in England. coronavirus control S.
The government has set a deadline of noon
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said last night that there have been 10 days of “good faith” talks but they are still at a standstill.
If there is no breakthrough, he suggested that Prime Minister Boris Johnson could unilaterally impose measures such as COVID-19 stretches across Greater Manchester and public health “continues to deteriorate.”
In response, Burnham told Kay Burley’s show: “We would not break the law … Obviously we would have to accept that decision, in the end it is the prerogative of the government.”
But he warned that the change would hurt “the lowest paid in society,” such as bar workers and taxi drivers, so Downing Street must commit more financial support for companies forced to stop trading.
“If you are going to impose a blockade here, it will do some harm to all the people I have mentioned,” Burnham said.
“I don’t think we can send our residents into difficult situations that way.”
Overnight, it emerged that Jenrick had offered £ 22 million, around £ 8 per person, to “individuals, businesses and the wider region” affected by the Level 3 movement.
Burnham said the “nightly ultimatum” was “a bit provocative” and accused ministers of “trying to save money”, but revealed that he is consulting with other local politicians today and they will respond with “what we think is a fair figure” . “.
“I will respond in the most positive and constructive way that I can,” he promised.
Earlier, Business Minister Nadhim Zahawi said the government was offering Greater Manchester politicians “whatever they are looking for” and urged them to “make this happen now”.
