LONDON — Talks between the government and Greater Manchester aimed at getting local support for strict new COVID-19 measures have ended without agreement, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said.
The “tier three” regional restrictions, including the closure of all pubs and bars not serving meals, a well as betting shops and other entertainment venues, are now likely to be imposed on the region, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson expected to lay out next steps at a press conference later Tuesday.
In a statement, Jenrick accused Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who has been holding out for greater financial support for the local economy, of being “unwilling to take the action that is required to get the spread of the virus under control.”
Jenrick had given the talks until noon on Tuesday to reach a conclusion. Johnson and Burnham spoke on Tuesday, but Jenrick’s statement appeared to have drawn a line under the discussions.
Burnham and other local leaders in the region are calling for the government’s plan to pay two-thirds of employees’ wages for businesses that have to closeRead More – Source
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