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.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
16th October 2020 
