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Members of Parliament have expressed their dismay after the Government announced that Greater Manchester would be placed under Level 3 coronavirus restrictions.
Conservative and Labor MPs have been almost unanimous in their condemnation in today’s announcement.
Boris Johnson confirmed that the region will receive a £ 22 million financial support package following the collapse of talks between his government and Greater Manchester leaders.
Therefore, the most stringent Level 3 restrictions will be imposed on 2.8 million residents in Greater Manchester without the consensus of politicians in the area.
Even conservative MPs seem to disagree with today’s decision made by the government.
William Wragg, Conservative MP from Hazel Grove, said “the sense of failure was overwhelming.”
Bolton West MP Chris Green, who resigned as a ministerial aide last week over coronavirus restrictions, said he did not believe science supported the actions.
He said: “Bolton has gone through a much tougher lockdown than Level 3 and it didn’t work out.
“The government believes that three weeks of closure of pubs and gambling centers will make a dramatic difference. It has not and will not.
“I am disappointed that this lockdown has been imposed and I do not believe that science supports this action. I believe that the economic and health impact will be detrimental to our community, but we have to do everything possible to respect these rules, as it has been imposed. “
Graham Brady said Greater Manchester has lived under additional “harsh” restrictions for three months.
The Congressman from Altrincham and Sale West told Commons: “Can I tell (Matt Hancock) that the confinements themselves cost lives and livelihoods.
“They take a terrible toll on mental health, particularly for the young.
“And do you accept that it is better to do these things, if necessary, with consent and, in that sense, will you confirm that these measures will be brought to this House for approval and, in any case, will end with a sunset (clause) after 28 days? “
Bolton Council leader Earl David Greenhalgh agreed that Greater Manchester, Bolton in particular, deserved better treatment.
“I have said many times that I am fully aware that there is not an infinite amount of money, but I felt that it was justified due to the disproportionate way in which Bolton companies had been affected during the last months.
“So level 3 will prevail, which is never where I wanted to be. But it was always clear that if we couldn’t come to an agreement, that would happen.
He added: “I have really tried to participate in this process.
“It has been challenging and it is inevitable that politics and personalities will come into this, which is unfortunate, but I can honestly and openly say that during this very difficult and stressful time that many of Greater Manchester’s conservatives have been in disagreement with ours The government, I and the administration have fought for what we believe is right for our municipality and what our municipality deserves. “
Labor MPs in the region were simply outraged.
Afzal Khan, Gorton’s Labor MP, accused the Government of treating Greater Manchester with utter contempt. “
Speaking in the Commons tonight, Mr. Khan said: “I am disgusted by the behavior of this Government.
“By walking away from these talks, they are treating Greater Manchester with utter contempt.
“All local leaders have asked for enough money to ensure that our poorest communities can eat, heat their homes and survive the winter months without becoming destitute. Andy Burnham has my full support: he is fighting for a fair settlement for Manchester and all UK communities. “
Lisa Nandy, a Labor MP from Wigan, described the government’s handling of the situation as “disgraceful”.
His Labor colleague, Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell, agreed.
Ms. Powell tweeted: “It is an absolute shame that GM companies and workers are not getting an extra penny from the government to support them at Tier 3.
“Andy is right: it is an absolute spite. The idea of all together in this has been shattered this week. “
Oldham West and Royton, Jim McMahon, added: “No one should underestimate the anger in Greater Manchester over this government. Never forget; the government expelled because @AndyBurnhamGM dared to defend what is right.
“Always get up and be counted.”
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