By Chris Williamson-
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, may have to decide how the row about restrictions in Manchester is settled, Communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, has indicated.
Mr Jenrick warned northern leaders late on Monday night that tier 3 measures will be imposed on them if they fail to agree to pub closures and a ban on household mixing.
Leaders in the covid ridden city have challenged plans to force severe restrictions in Manchester where infections and hospital admissions are out of control
“The public health situation in Greater Manchester continues to deteriorate. “We’ve now had 10 days of discussions, in good faith, with local leaders in Greater Manchester. We’ve not so far been able to reach an agreement.
He said: “I must advise the prime minister that despite our best endeavours we’ve been unable to reach agreement.”
Jenrick said in the statement: “The deteriorating public health situation in Greater Manchester means that we need to take action urgently. We have held discussions in good faith with local leaders for 10 days in order to ensure that the measures put in place were tailored to the local community.
“We have offered an extensive package of support for local people and businesses, proportionate to the approach we have taken in the Liverpool city region and Lancashire and in addition to the wider national support.”
Jenrick added that there were now more Covid-19 patients in Greater Manchester hospitals than in “the whole of the south-west and south east combined”. He added: “But unfortunately, despite recognising the gravity of the situation, local leaders have been so far unwilling to take the action that is required to get this situation under control.
“I have written to local leaders this evening to make clear that if we cannot reach agreement by midday tomorrow then I must advise the prime minister that despite our best endeavours we’ve been unable to reach agreement.
“It’s not too late for local leaders to work with us to take action for the sake of the people of Greater Manchester.”
Council leaders remain unsatisfied at efforts by ministers to offer a compromise as they sought to close pubs, bars and other venues.
Gwynne, the MP for Denton and Reddish in Stockport, said: “I think it’s disgraceful that the government still hasn’t set out what their ‘offer’ is. Nor, I believe, have they notified the mayor or council leaders of this latest deadline”.