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Boris Johnson has been condemned by the mayors of northern cities, as ministers plan tougher restrictions against the coronavirus in a bid to stem regional spikes in infections.
The prime minister is New curbs are expected to be ordered next week. in pubs across the north of England, which could include shutting them down entirely in Liverpool, Manchester Y Newcastle.
But the government faces the ire of local politicians who have accused ministers of failing to consult with them on the plans, as well as voicing their fears about the impact on businesses.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said ministers had offered “no discussion” and “no consultation” on new COVID-19 measurements.
He added on Twitter: “Millions of lives affected by the Whitehall diktat. It is proving impossible to deal with this government.”
Dan Jarvis, a Work The parliamentarian and mayor of the Sheffield city region responded to newspaper reports of new restrictions by tweeting: “Recklessly irresponsible to inform the newspapers, but not the leaders of the North that they will somehow have to make this work. Check @BorisJohnson “.
Steve Rotherham, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “It is deeply disappointing to wake up this morning to reports that new COVID-19 restrictions affecting millions of people in our city region and across the North , they could be in effect in days, instead of listening to it during a genuine dialogue between ministers and local leaders. “
And Newcastle City Council Leader Nick Forbes said: “We need a dialogue with the government and a stronger sense of partnership, rather than issuing diktats without warning.”
The anger of regional Labor politicians also echoed across the party’s front bench, with Deputy Leader Angela Rayner tweeting: “It is an absolute shame that millions in the North find out about new restrictions through newspaper leaks or on Twitter. of journalists.
“We need clarity, not more opaque reports. The government has not learned from its mistakes and is treating people with contempt.”
Meanwhile, the leaders of Birmingham The City Council has written to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to argue that the Midlands city “should not be forced to restrict domestic mixing in bars and restaurants if there is no evidence that it is spreading COVID.”
“It would cost jobs and livelihoods without making anyone safer,” added Deputy City Council Leader Brigid Jones.
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Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said it was “not fair” to say the government was not consulting with local leaders and revealed that he had spoken with Burnham on Wednesday.
“We are in regular contact with mayors and local council leaders,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today program.
“We want to bring local leaders with us and make decisions in the friendliest way possible.”
“But it is correct that the final decision is made by the government, guided by the medical director.”
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