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Government failed to reach deal over Tier 3 restrictions in Greater Manchester
JUST IN.
No deal has been agreed following today’s meeting which means Boris Johnson looks set to impose Tier 3 on Greater Manchester.
A last-ditch attempt from Andy Burnham today to agree a deal with the government regarding tighter restrictions in Manchester has ended without an agreement.
Communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, said following the meeting: “I’m disappointed that despite recognising the gravity of the situation, the mayor of Greater Manchester has been unwilling to take the action that is required to get the spread of the virus under control in Greater Manchester and reach an agreement with the government.
“I have therefore advised the prime minister that these discussions have concluded without an agreement.”
Andy Burnham and Boris Johnson have reportedly spoken on the phone today but the details of the conversation have not been shared.
Currently, it is understood that the government offered Greater Manchester £60m financial support, £15m short of Andy Burnham’s proposals.
Boris Johnson is set to hold a press conference today at 5pm, followed by a statement in the House of Commons at 7pm from health secretary Matt Hancock.
Earlier today Jenrick warned that the prime minister would have to intervene if no deal is made by the midday deadline.
The Guardian reports that the talks today ‘dramatically collapsed’ barely two hours before Boris Johnson is set to hold a national press conference at Downing Street announcing the new restrictions.
They added that Jenrick ‘abandoned the negotiations after several hours of haggling with Andy Burnham’.
The Greater Manchester leaders reduced their request to £65m but this was rejected by Jenrick shortly after 2pm, killing the negotiations.
Boris Johnson has insisted that it is vitally important to have a deal agreed with local leaders to improve compliance of restrictions and to ensure they support the strict public health measures.
If Tier 3 is imposed in Greater Manchester some pubs and bar plus betting shops, casinos, bingo halls, adult gaming centres and soft play areas will close for at least 28 days. It is not clear yet when this will come into force.