BREAKING: Greater Manchester leaders say they are ‘fighting back’ for a fair deal
Mayor Andy Burnham, Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes, and Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese hosted a press conference on Thursday (15 October) afternoon, claiming they are "unanimously opposed" to Tier 3 and the "hardships" the measures will cause.
Greater Manchester’s leaders have spoken out as the tier saga continues – claiming they are “fighting back” for a “fair deal” for the region.
Mayor Andy Burnham, Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes, and Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese hosted a press conference on Thursday (15 October) afternoon, claiming they are “unanimously opposed” to Tier 3 and the “hardships” the measures will cause.
Burnham stated: “We are being asked to gamble our residents’ jobs, homes and businesses – and a large chunk of our economy – on a strategy that their own experts tell them might not work.
“We would never sign up for that.”
Deputy Mayor Hughes followed up: “I’d like to ask the government – what is the rationale for feeling that the people of Greater Manchester can manage if they’re laid off on 60% of their income, when the previous lockdown gave people 80%?”
The conference followed a meeting held between ministers and Manchester MPs who – for the second time in the space of a week – were arguing against the implementation of stricter measures in Greater Manchester.
Whether Greater Manchester will actually enter Tier 3 at some stage remains unclear, and Burnham has called that a “decision for the government.”
However, local leaders remain opposed to entering the ‘very high’ risk category under current circumstances.
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Under Tier 3 rules, pubs and bars that do not serve ‘substantial’ meals must close, whilst different households cannot mix in any setting.
The government also advises against travelling in/out Tier 3 areas.
Fitness centres, gyms, bookmakers and casinos can also close under these rules.
Mayor Burnham has repeatedly claimed the financial package to support closed businesses is insufficient, and would therefore “not accept” any additional measures being imposed on Manchester.
Last weekend, local MPs and hospitality leaders urged the government to avoid placing the ten boroughs into the ‘very high’ risk category, even considering legal action.
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When the finalised tier system was announced in the House of Commons on Monday, it appeared their request had been granted – with the PM listing Greater Manchester in Tier 2.
But subsequent recommendations from health experts prompted the government to reconsider their decision the very next day – with an emergency Gold Command meeting held to determine whether Greater Manchester should be reclassified.
It was predicted that regions could experience movement between tiers over time, especially as case rates moved up and down.
But immediate indecisiveness over categorisation has created extreme friction between the government and some local authorities.
Elsewhere in the UK, London has been moved from Tier 1 to Tier 2 – resulting in a ban on households mixing indoors across the capital.
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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan had been hinting that harsher measures could be on the way, with a second wave leading to case rate rises all over the UK.
Northern Ireland announced a four-week ‘circuit breaker’ earlier this week. The new rules will come into effect on Friday, with pubs and restaurants forced to shut (except for takeaway). NI schools will also close for two weeks, whilst places of worship, shops and gyms can stay open.
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Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.