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.
"I urge the Mayor to reconsider and engage constructively"@BorisJohnson says the government has "not yet reached an agreement" with Greater Manchester leaders, but warns the situation is "grave and worsens each passing day."
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.
Greater Manchester public urged to help get people ‘off the streets and on their feet’ before Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Locals are being urged to help get hundreds of people “off the streets and back on their feet” this festive season.
As the temperatures told colder by the day, and Christmas creeps closer and closer, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is bringing back ‘1000 Beds for Christmas’, and the massively-important initiative is aiming to provide 1,000 nights of accommodation to people at risk of homelessness before the big day arrives.
Forming part of the ongoing ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme, this festive fundraising mission is designed to provide food, shelter, warmth, and dedicated vital wrap-around support for those who need it most.
The charity says it wants to build on the “incredible success of 2023”, which raised more than £55,000 and provided 1,800 nights of accommodation.
Stockport-based property finance specialists, Together – which has supported the campaign for the last two years – has, once again, generously pledged to match every public donation for the first £20,000 raised.
Unfamiliar with the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme? Since 2017, when rough sleeping peaked, the initiative has helped ensure a significantly-higher rate of reduction in the numbers of people facing a night on streets in Greater Manchester than seen nationally.
The landmark scheme has given people the chance to rebuild their lives, while also giving them access to key services and opportunities that allows them to stay off the streets for good.
Despite the scheme’s recent success, organisations across Greater Manchester are under “a huge amount of pressure” to meet the demand for their services this winter, and given the current economic outlook, household budgets will continue to be squeezed – leaving people on the sharp end of inequality and poverty.
The Manc -
16th October 2020 
