McMahon's 'get your act together' message to government chiefs

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon has urged the Government to 'get its act together' as the row over whether Greater Manchester is to be thrust into the top level of coronavirus restrictions rumbles on.

Still no decision has been made on whether our region will be tasked with increasing the restrictions level once again, but Mr McMahon had this message for the Government this afternoon (Friday). 

"People in Oldham have been living under restrictions for many months, and actually we've only been in Tier 2 for two days," Mr McMahon told the Chronicle.

"The idea that we are now catapulted into Tier 3, without the evidence base that it's going to work, and without the financial support for businesses and for jobs, is just not acceptable.

"People in Oldham have sacrificed a lot during this pandemic, and it's really important that the Government gets its act together.

"We can't carry on in and out of lockdown with the proper support to reduce the spead of the virus, and just as importantly, to make sure that jobs are safeguarded."

Meanwhile, Conservative MPs have cranked up the pressure on Prime Minister Boris Johnson over his handling of the second coronavirus wave.

It follows the intervention by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham yesterday (Thursday) over pressure to put the region on 'Tier 3' lockdown.

One former Tory cabinet minister has said the 'vast majority' of Tory MPs are against the current strategy of three tiers of restrictions - as a row continues to fester between Downing Street and northern leaders.

Local politicians and the Government are at loggerheads over the level of financial support Greater Manchester would get if it is forced, like Liverpool City Region and Lancashire, to accept the most severe coronavirus restrictions.

The disagreement has so far prevented the region from being moved into Tier 3, but more talks between Greater Manchester MPs and the government are due to take place

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