Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham says the region will have a “very strong case” to exit Tier 3within two weeks – calling on all local MPs to vote against the measures in the Commons.
The government confirmed that the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester are destined for Tier 3 measures when lockdown ends on December 2 – meaning all local hospitality (except for takeaway) and indoor entertainment will remain closed.
The decision has been met with chagrin; as data shows weekly case rates and hospital admissions falling across Greater Manchester.
The Mayor said he is hoping the government will review their decision before Christmas – with local leaders set to make “the strongest possible argument” to move down to Tier 2.
Here’s the evidence behind the Government’s decision on GM.
People will have to draw their own conclusions on the rights/wrongs.
What I can say is we’ll likely have a very strong case for Tier 2 in two weeks.
Burnham stated: “People will have to draw their own conclusions on the rights/wrongs.
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“What I can say is we’ll likely have a very strong case for Tier 2 in two weeks.”
The government – hoping to avoid another high-profile tug of war with Burnham over tier terms like in October – has already said that tiers will be non-negotiable.
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But the Mayor has called on local MPs to “join us in a strong cross-party appeal”.
There is already evidence that some Conservative MPs may protest the measures.
Sir Graham Brady, MP for Altrincham & Sale West, has already said he will vote against the government next week when the proposed tier system goes to the Commons, claiming he had “severe reservations on so many different levels.”
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MP for Hazel Grove, William Wragg, also hinted he would vote against his constituency entering Tier 3.
“Stockport’s Covid rates continue to fall sharply and will no doubt be lower still next week,” he said.
“We should be considered for tiering on a Local Authority basis. As we have not been, I cannot support these proposals.”
Stockport’s Covid rates continue to fall sharply and will no doubt be lower still next week. We should be considered for tiering on a Local Authority basis. As we have not been, I cannot support these proposals. https://t.co/C4ZdaEyhKz
Mary Robinson, MP for Cheadle, also said she would “continue to argue” for a borough by borough approach that would separate lower risk regions from others.
“Stockport borough continues to have a notably lower infection rate than the rest of Greater Manchester, with a pattern of decline,” she stated.
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“I have argued in the past for a borough by borough approach when it comes to tier allocations, supported by the data.”
The new tier system is set to go to a vote on Tuesday.
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Manc -
27th November 2020 
