More than 50 Tory MPs ask Boris Johnson to provide ‘road map’ out of lockdown for north
A group of Tory MPs representing northern regions - known as The Northern Research Group - have written to the Prime Minister and asked him to provide "a clear road map down the tiering system and out of lockdown".
More than 50 Tory MPs have signed a letter asking Boris Johnson to provide a “road map” out of lockdown for the north – with several areas now under Tier 3 restrictions.
Warrington became the latest northern region to enter Tier 3 this week – joining Liverpool City Region, South Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester in the ‘very high’ local COVID alert level.
Nottingham in the Midlands will also move up to Tier 3 at 00.01 Thursday.
This will leave more than eight million people living under the tightest regulations – which include bans on household mixing and the closure of pubs and bars that do not serve substantial meals.
Betting shops, adult gaming centres, casinos and soft play centres must also shut in Tier 3 areas.
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David Dixon / Geograph
The north has been hit hardest by restrictions since the second wave of COVID-19 hit the UK, and a group of Tory MPs representing these regions – known as The Northern Research Group – have written to the Prime Minister and asked him to provide “a clear road map down the tiering system and out of lockdown”.
The letter, put forward by Jake Berry – Conservative MP for Rossendale and Darwen – warns that the north is being “disproportionately” affected by the measures.
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“The virus has exposed in sharp relief the deep structural and systemic disadvantage faced by our communities and it threatens to continue to increase the disparity between the North and South still further,” the letter reads.
Good to speak with Sophie Ridge earlier, we need to provide a clear roadmap out of lockdown, accelerate key infrastructure projects and reaffirm our commitment to the North with a #NorthernRecoveryPlan. It was also helpful to provide some much-needed clarity on free school meals pic.twitter.com/4QX9aNso6T
Berry’s statement also emphasises that there has never “been a more pertinent and urgent political and economic case to support people living in the North.”
A Number 10 spokesman said: “We are absolutely committed to levelling up across the country and building back better after coronavirus.
“We stood at the last election on a solemn promise that we would improve people’s lives, and although the pandemic has meant 2020 is not the year we all hoped it would be, our ambitions for the country are unchanged.”
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Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
The Manc -
27th October 2020 
