The government has come to learn a lot about the stubborn, steadfast spirit of Manchester this week.
On one side, we’ve got the Mayor, council and hospitality sector angrily rejecting new restrictions and squaring off against health ministers for a “fairer” deal.
On the other, we’ve got Marcus Rashford repeatedly booting a ball against Downing Street’s door demanding more support to tackle child food poverty.
Whilst No. 10 is being coy about Greater Manchester’s tier position so far, it has already flat out rejected Rashford’s attempts to provide free school meals to children during the Christmas holidays.
But Manchester United’s star striker remains undeterred. He knows the battle is only just beginning,
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“This is not going anytime soon and neither am I…” the footballer wrote.
Nearly 200,000 people are already behind him.
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Merry Christmas kids…
It’s also not for food banks to feed millions of British children but here we are. 250% increase in food poverty and rising…
Rashford’s petition to parliament – which has now accrued enough signatures to see it brought to the floor at the House of Commons for debate – amassed more than 100,000 supporters in 10 hours.
Within 24 hours, numbers toppled 175,000.
The petition is asking the government to expand free school meals to all under-16s where a parent or guardian is in receipt of Universal Credit or equivalent benefit; provide meals and activities during all holidays; and increase the value of Healthy Start vouchers to at least £4.25 per week.
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But currently, the government is reluctant to entertain another proposal from Rashford – who has already won an honorary doctorate and MBE for his services to tackle child food poverty throughout the pandemic.
In spring, he actually helped to overturn government policy; convincing ministers to supply free school meals during the summer.
But despite that win, Rashford expected another fight with his new campaign. It appears he’s got it.
In response to the latest petition, a spokesperson for No. 10 stated: “We took that decision to extend free school meals during the pandemic when schools were partially closed during lockdown.
“We’re in a different position now with schools back open to all pupils.
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“It’s not for schools to regularly provide food to pupils during the school holidays. We believe the best way to support families outside of term time is through Universal Credit rather than government subsidising meals.”
So, Boris Johnson has flatly rejected @MarcusRashford call for free school meal help to be given to poor kids over Christmas and other holidays.
No.10 spokesman: “It’s not for schools to regularly provide food to pupils during the school holidays…"
Greater Manchester is in battle mode this week; fighting the government on several fronts.
And it should perhaps come as no surprise that Mayor Andy Burnham – the resolute voice of the region during the tier saga – has weighed in to provide support for Rashford’s campaign.
“The bigger the number the louder the voice…” said the footballer in response to the 100k signatures so far.
Salford Red Devils granted another adjournment over unpaid debts
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils have been given one more adjournment and yet another stay of execution, being given another two weeks to find the money to cover their unpaid debts.
The local rugby league side, which has been wrapped in all manner of struggles both on and off-pitch over the past year or so, reportedly needs to pay around £700,000 to HMRC alone and still owes roughly £5 million in total to various creditors.
To no surprise, regular matchgoers, neutrals and even rivals alike have expressed their continued disappointment with the club, mainly at the lack of transparency and clarity from the organisation throughout this long, drawn-out process.
This is coming from a wire fan but no club deserves to be left in the dark even longer than they already have done it’s nothing but a disgrace to the sport of rugby those owners and the court should be ashamed of themselves.
Updating fans on social media, this is all the information they have communicated at this time: “Salford Red Devils can confirm that HMRC have granted the club a two-week adjournment, providing additional time in which to secure the necessary funds.
“We would like to reassure supporters that we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a positive resolution. Further updates will be shared as soon as possible.”
It’s worth noting that the current owners have reiterated that they inheited around £3m in existing debt before they took over the club, but assurances over their own investments have still come to nothing; meanwhile, with many still waiting on wages, players and staff alike have now left.
Having been propped up by loan players and emergency loans, the team is now closer to a skeleton crew than it is an outfit capable of competing in the premier division.
Either way, the outrage remains and is only growing stronger. One user wrote on X: “A good approach by them if they was legit would be to engage and bring in The 1873 to bridge the communication black hole (they created).
“The problem with that is if they did it would expose them for what they are… Extortionists using the club as a vehicle.”
More alarm bells were raised recently when assistant coach and Krisnan Inu – who was also director of the company set up to take over the business – withdrew himself from a key position behind the scenes.
Speaking of The 1873, the outspoken supporters trust took no time at all in issuing a response of their own, adding: “The judge presiding over today’s case has adjourned by 14 days. This adjournment has dragged the uncertainty on even longer.
“Every delay makes planning for 2026 harder and keeps the club stuck in limbo when it desperately needs clarity and direction.
“The fans, the players and the future all deserve better — The 1873.”
You can see the rest of their statement in full down below, but for now, what do you make of this seemingly neverending saga, Salfordians?
‘Christmas chaos’ on the cards as Manchester tram drivers vote on staging strike action next month
Emily Sergeant
There could be major disruption to festive travel in Greater Manchester next month, as hundreds of tram drivers are currently voting on whether to strike.
Almost 320 tram drivers are being balloted over working conditions and fears around fatigue.
The drivers – who are members of the union, Unite – all work for KeolisAmey Metrolink Limited at the Warwick Road South and Queens Road depots in Manchester – and they operate trams on all routes in Greater Manchester.
As it stands, the drivers’ shift patterns currently mean they have to work 450 hours over a 12-week period, which results in some having to work 50 hours on, followed by just two days off, then back into another 50-hour work pattern.
Drivers also have fewer rest days compared to all other operational departments, and this is said to be causing safety concerns around fatigue.
‘Christmas chaos’ is on the cards as Manchester tram drivers are currently voting on staging strike action next month / Credit: TfGM
Drivers say they concerned about operating heavy vehicles while exhausted and unable to have proper breaks, but after raising the issue with management, Unite has been told there is ‘no funding available’ to support any ‘meaningful’ improvements to working patterns.
Instead, management has asked drivers to start work earlier – which Unite says is only ‘adding insult to injury’.
The ballot is set to close on 11 November, and if drivers vote in favour of industrial action, strikes could then begin in late November, causing widespread cancellations and delays throughout the region during the busy festive shopping period – particularly coinciding with Manchester’s world-famous Christmas Markets, known for attracting millions of visitors to the city each year.
“Any strike action will cause a great deal of disruption but it is entirely the fault of Metrolink, which is not taking the issue of driver fatigue seriously,” commented Unite Regional Officer, Colin Hayden.
The Manc -
16th October 2020 
