Greater Manchester set to be plunged into Tier 3 lockdown after talks end without agreement

Greater Manchester is set to be plunged into the strictest coronavirus measures after talks with local leaders broke down today.

The Government has failed to reach an agreement with leaders in area over the introduction of Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions.

Discussions were still taking place between Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Boris Johnson this afternoon after the Government’s midday deadline passed.

But the Communities Secretary said the discussions had concluded "without an agreement" and accused the mayor of being "unwilling to take the action that is required".

Robert Jenrick released his statement just a few hours before Mr Johnson was due to hold a press conference on Tuesday evening.

He said: “I’m disappointed that despite recognising the gravity of the situation, the mayor has been unwilling to take the action that is required to get the spread of the virus under control in Greater Manchester and reach an agreement with the government.

"I have therefore advised the Prime Minister that these discussions have concluded without an agreement.”

The Prime Minister is now expected to impose Tier 3 measures on the region as he has previously threatened to do.

Mr Burnham has been fighting for additional funding for the region in exchange for his support for further coronavirus restrictions.

In a furious attack on the Government earlier today, Mr Burnham said companies would go bust needlessly without more financial help, and the least well off would be hardest hit.

He said: “We’re trying to respond to a pandemic on the cheap, that’s how it feels.

“All of the experts — chief medical officer, chief scientific adviser, the deputy chief medical officer — every single one of them has said to us they are not certain Tier 3 will work."

The Government set a deadline of midday for Manchester’s leaders to agree to an economic support deal or have one imposed.

After 11 unsuccessful days of negotiation, it sent a letter offering £22 million in extra support for enforcement and test and trace, plus an undisclosed offer of further help for businesses.

This morning, Mr Burnham and other leaders went into talks on a counter-proposal they hoped No 10 would accept.

According to the measures pubs and bars will be closed, unless they are serving substantial meals, for a 28-day period. Similarly betting shops, casinos, bingo halls, adult gaming centres and soft play areas will close.

The Prime Minister's will take place at 5pm on Tuesday.

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