Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has vowed to fight any restrictions imposed on the region that come with inadequate support.
Speaking on BBC’s Question Time on Thursday evening (9 October), the region’s leader appeared to be losing patience with the government after being kept in the dark at crucial points during the pandemic.
The Mayor said he had learned of the looming hospitality closures in northern England on the front page of a newspaper, and pledged to “challenge them in any way” he could if they did not come with necessary compensation.
“I didn’t know about [the measures], nobody told me,” Burnham said on the BBC programme.
“But it doesn’t really matter about me… what about the people who work in those pubs and restaurants?
ADVERTISEMENT
“This has got to stop.
“We cannot face a national crisis with the government just imposing decisions from the centre with no agreement from the people who have to face the real world today – people saying: ‘We can’t go in another lockdown, our businesses will finish.'”
ADVERTISEMENT
If the Government closes businesses across the North without providing proper compensation and a local furlough scheme for staff, then, yes, I will challenge them in any way I can. https://t.co/ra0MOraaXa
Burnham said he had attempted to establish a dialogue with Westminster regarding a local furlough scheme for hospitality workers – citing the example of Bolton whereby pubs and restaurants were banned from operating without financial aid to help them.
“The message I’ve given to the government is a pretty clear one: There can be no restrictions without support,” Burnham stated.
“If it’s going to be the Tier Three restrictions, effectively a national lockdown, we have to go back to a full furlough scheme for those staff [and] support for those businesses.”
ADVERTISEMENT
David Dixon
The Mayor warned that the north of England was at risk of being “levelled down” by the new measures, are apparently set to bring about the full closure of pubs, restaurants and cafes.
“I will not accept it,” Burnham added.
“I will not accept restrictions without support.
“I will not accept the government just imposing restrictions these decisions upon us, briefing them to newspapers late at night. They need to treat the people of the north of England with more respect.”
News
Suspect reportedly ‘identified’ after three-year-old dies following city centre van and tram crash
Emily Sergeant
A suspect has reportedly been ‘identified’ after a van and a tram collided in Manchester city centre this past weekend.
During the tragic incident, a three-year-old little girl was killed.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had issued a widespread public appeal to find the driver of the van involved after he fled the scene shortly after, and officers had been following ‘several lines of enquiry’ to locate him.
It comes after emergency services responded to reports of a road traffic collision involving a tram and a van in Mosley Street in Manchester city centre at around 10am this past Saturday (22 February), where it was found that the van collided with the tram, forcing the van onto the pavement where it collided with a pedestrian.
The pedestrian, a three-year-old girl, was rushed to hospital, but despite the best efforts of all involved, sadly passed away from her injuries.
#APPEAL | Officers are appealing for witnesses following fatal road traffic collision in Manchester city centre today.
A van collided with a three-year-old girl, who sadly passed away.
A scene remained in place around the Mosley Street, Booth Street, and Nicholas Street areas whilst officers conducted their investigations over the weekend.
At this time, no confirmed arrests have been made, but it has been reported by the MEN this morning that a suspect has been ‘identified’ connection with the incident.
“Our investigation is ongoing and we are investigating a number of lines of enquiry,” explained Assistant Chief Constable, Stephanie Parker as she appealed to the public for information. “This is being treated as an isolated incident with no wider threat to the community.
“We understand the effect an incident such as this will have had on any witnesses and our thoughts are with everyone concerned.
“We are appealing to any witnesses and anyone who may have seen the van driver leave his vehicle to get in touch with us.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 0161 856 4741, quoting the log number 1086 of 22/02/25, or using the LiveChat function on GMP’s website – www.gmp.police.uk.
You can also report to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
News
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.
The Manc -
9th October 2020 
