Local MPs and hospitality leaders in Greater Manchester are vowing to contest any new measures that prevent hospitality from trading – with lawyers launching a Judicial Review into the matter.
Boris Johnson is set to outline a new Three Tier system later this afternoon (12 October) – which will restrict businesses in certain areas of England according to a ‘risk level’.
Given the high rate of cases in Greater Manchester, it is expected these new measures may close or restrict hospitality across the ten GM boroughs.
But several key figures have come forward in anticipation of the announcement – claiming they will not support the implementation of additional curbs on pubs and bars.
Five Manchester MPs including Lucy Powell, Jeff Smith, Afzal Khan, Mike Kane and Graham Stringer have stated that “on this basis” they will not support Manchester being put in Tier 3 (the highest risk level that would see pubs and bars closed).
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The MPs argued that a shutdown of hospitality venues would lead to a “devastating impact on jobs, livelihoods and businesses” and encourage illegal gatherings.
Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester Sacha Lord has even taken the matter to lawyers – starting legal proceedings with the support of Mayor Andy Burnham to challenge venue closures.
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Writing on Twitter, Lord stated: “In Greater Manchester, we will not accept shutting our pubs/bars without any scientific evidence.
“That’s why, with the support [of Andy Burnham] I’m heading a group to take the Government to a Judicial Review.”
He added: “We have been given no tangible scientific evidence to merit a full closure of hospitality and entertainment sectors and have been left with no option than to escalate the matter with legal action.”
He added: “We need to know about the government’s methodology, the science behind it, because otherwise it just feels like these measures against the hospitality industry are disproportionate and unfair.”
Also joining the fight against the potential closure of pubs are breweries and venues across the city and beyond.
According to the MEN, these include The British Beer and Pub Association, Middleton brewery JW Lees, Manchester’s Joseph Holts Brewery, Stockport’s Robinsons Brewery, the New River Pub Company, Hawthorn Leisure, and operators across Greater Manchester including Alberts Schloss, 20 Stories, San Carlo, Wood Restaurant, Gusto, Living Ventures, Evuna, The Alchemist, O’Sheas and Atlas Bar.
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.