Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that a deal is yet to be reachedwith Greater Manchester.
Speaking live at a televised press conference this afternoon, Mr Johnson said talks with local leaders on the prospect of placing Greater Manchester into Tier 3 restrictions were “tough discussions, difficult decisions” and that an agreement “has not been reached” as of yet.
It follows a series of significant talks between the government and local leaders over the past few days, which are said to still be “ongoing”.
Mr Johnson then went on to say during the conference that he “completely” understands Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s reluctance to move to Tier 3, but warned that “the situation is grave” in the region and is worsening “with every passing day”.
He stated that cases in the area have doubled in the last few days and high infection rates have been creeping up the age range, with the number of people in intensive care beds in the region already 40% over what it was during the first peak in spring.
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“In two weeks, there will be more patients in ICU than at the peak of the first wave,” he said.
He urged the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham to “reconsider and engage constructively” with central government as “time is of the essence”.
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He then stated that he “will need to intervene” if an agreement is not reached.
When asked a question by BBC Deputy Political Editor Vicki Young about whether the government can impose more restrictions on Manchester and elsewhere, Mr Johnson said it’s “much, much better” if the government can work with “friends” on councils.
He added that it “doesn’t make sense” to lock down areas with low infection rates – such as Cornwall and Norfolk – and said it is “good that London has come on board” and urged Andy Burnham to “come with us” too.
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“Our efforts will be so much more effective if we work together,” he said.
At a number of opportunities throughout the conference, Mr Johnson also expressed his view that imposing a full national lockdown would not be the way forward.
The statement comes after the county of Lancashire was placed into Tier 3 earlier today, following at £42 million agreement.
Co-op Live confirms cancellations caused by part of air conditioning unit ‘falling from ceiling’
Daisy Jackson
The Co-op Live arena has confirmed the cause of tonight’s last-minute gig cancellation and subsequent postponement of future shows.
Reports said that an object had ‘fallen from the ceiling’ before doors to the public officially opened.
Co-op Live has now confirmed that ‘a component of the air conditioning system’ separated from the ductwork, and stressed that no one was injured.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, the artist who was meant to perform tonight, had said that ‘something happened with the venue while I was at soundcheck today’.
Oak View Group, which owns the venue, said that it had ‘made the necessary call to ensure the full safety of all visitors to the venue to postpone the performance’.
Tim Leiweke, Chairman and CEO of Oak View Group said: “The safety and security of all visiting and working on Co-op Live is our utmost priority, and we could not and will not run any event until it is absolutely safe to do so.
“Today was a very unexpected situation but without a doubt the right decision.
“I deeply apologise for the impact that this has had on ticket holders and fans.”
It’s believed that the issue with the HVAC system was an isolated incident ’caused by a factory defect’.
Co-op Live said: “We were not able to verify that all similar nozzles were free of such defects.
“In conjunction with wider stakeholders, Oak View Group has made the necessary call to ensure the full safety of all visitors to the venue, and to postpone the performance.”
The rest of the nozzles inside the huge arena will now be tested for similar defects.
They said in a statement: “We understand the need to reassure fans over future shows. We are working with artist management and promoters to limit the impact on the opening season schedule.
“Where necessary, we will identify alternate dates, and will continually reassess to provide fans with sufficient notice regarding imminent shows.
“Should shows be cancelled or rescheduled, fans will be contacted by their point of purchase and offered a full refund where preferred.”
Olivia Rodrigo’s two Manchester shows at Co-op Live have been postponed
Daisy Jackson
Olivia Rodrigo’s shows at Co-op Live in Manchester have been postponed after a night of drama for the new arena.
The star was meant to bring her GUTS Tour to the city on Friday and Saturday night.
But the huge 23,500-capacity arena has now confirmed that both of these gigs will be postponed.
New dates will be announced as soon as they’re confirmed.
Co-op Live said in a statement: “Due to an on-going venue-related technical issue, the scheduled performances of Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour on 3rd and 4th May are being postponed.
“Ticket holders can either hold onto their tickets or obtain a refund from their point of purchase.
“We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many.”
The massive arena was supposed to open for the first time to the public tonight with a performance by A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
But it was called off at the eleventh hour, with fans turned away from the doors just minutes before they were meant to open.
Co-op Live has now confirmed that the reason for the cancellation was that a piece of the HVAC (air conditioning) system had ‘separated from the ductwork’.
Rigorous testing on the rest of the system now needs to take place before fans can safely be welcomed inside.
Olivia Rodrigo has yet to issue a statement about her Manchester shows on 3 and 4 May being postponed.