"Why does this government hate Greater Manchester?" - MP Andrew Gwynne questions Chancellor

Labour MP for Denton & Reddish, Andrew Gwynne

MP for Denton & Reddish, Andrew Gwynne confronted Rishi Sunak in Parliament today as Greater Manchester reaches its deadline to come to an agreement about Tier 3 arrangements.

He had this to say to Rishi Sunak:

"All that Greater Manchester is asking for is proper financial support for our businesses, our self employed and our lowest paid after 12 weeks of failed lockdown measures and as we face many more uncertain months ahead.

"When the Prime Minister is reported as struggling to live on his £150,000 a year salary, how does he think the lowest paid in Greater Manchester will cope on two thirds of national minimum wage?

"And last night, the communities secretary offered just £22 million pounds for a city with 2.8 million people. That's less than the £25 million pounds he granted to his own town centre. 

"Why does this government hate Greater Manchester?"

Rishi Sunak said this in response:

"Mr Speak, it's disappointing to hear the Right Honourable Gentleman's tone. This is obviously a very difficult time for many people in this country as we evolve our response to this virus. 

"But what we need is people acting in a constructive spirit and that's what my Right Honourable Friend, the Communities Secretary is actively offering to do and I hope those conversations are happening as we speak. 

"Greater Manchester is being treated the same as every part of our United Kingdom.

"These are national support schemes that have been put in place that help the most vulnerable in our society.

"He raised a number of questions. As he will know, there a number of schemes to protect businesses, protect employees, and to provide support to his local authority."

The 12 o'clock deadline for an agreement between leaders in Greater Manchester and the government has now past, but there is yet to be an official announcement about what Tier 3 for the region will look like.

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