Warning that trust between Northern leaders and the Government is as 'at rock bottom' over Tier 3 negotiations

Trust between Northern leaders and the Government has been described as “at rock bottom” after Boris Johnson overruled local politicians to force a further 2.8m people into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions yesterday.

The Prime Minister said talks were ongoing in some areas of Yorkshire over moving into Tier 3, where pubs would have to close close and all household mixing banned.

But after Greater Manchester was pushed into the measures today despite vicious backlash, Mr Johnson said he expected local leaders to work with Government, raising fears the rules may be imposed on Yorkshire too regardless of pleas for better financial support.

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However, leaders in West Yorkshire confirmed tonight the decision had been made to remain in Tier 2.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus (COVID-19). Photo: PAPrime Minister Boris Johnson during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus (COVID-19). Photo: PA
Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus (COVID-19). Photo: PA

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said talks collapsed after the Government refused to meet his demand for £65m to support the livelihoods of people in the region as they face the closure of pubs, bars, bookmakers and other premises.

But Whitehall insiders accused the Labour mayor of “intransigence” and claimed his “pride” had scuppered a deal.

Henri Murison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership lobbying group, said: “It is ill advised that the Prime Minister has imposed Tier 3 in Greater Manchester, with areas of Yorkshire next in its list of places being considered and imposition should not be declared again.

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“An approach based on agreement with local leaders would be a more effective one. A Government that briefs national newspapers before speaking to Metro Mayors and civic leaders themselves is setting itself up to fail in dealing with this crisis effectively.

“Today’s events will no doubt leave trust between Northern leaders and the Government at rock-bottom. More people than ever are waking up to the fact that devolution - which allows areas to have the powers and funding to act as well as the mandate to represent their communities - is the way forward.”

Leaders of West Yorkshire councils said tonight: “Government ministers did not meet leaders today. Local and national public health experts agree that there is not a case to move West Yorkshire to Tier 3 this week.”

But they continued to push for better financial support for the area. and said: “We urge the Government to respond to our proposals to protect businesses, jobs and incomes.”

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While in South Yorkshire leaders united to reiterate that a “local lockdown lifeline” was needed if Tier 3 restrictions were imposed.

Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis and the four South Yorkshire council leaders Sir Steve Houghton, Mayor Ros Jones, Coun Chris Read and Coun Julie Dore wrote to the

And Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield South East, said: “We recognise we are likely to move to Tier 3 but we need an arrangement and a package of measures to help local businesses and employers who lose income. We need money for a local track and test system because we need to get that right or it won’t make a difference. We also need more financial help for people who are supposed to be self isolating.”

Mr Burnham said: “I don’t believe that we can proceed as a country on this basis through the pandemic by grinding communities down, through punishing financial negotiations.”

He added: “I am still willing to do a deal but it cannot be on the terms that the Government offered today.”