McMahon slams Tier 3 imposition

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon has slammed the Government's actions as 'deeply wrong' following yesterday's collapse of talks with local leaders about how and when Greater Manchester would enter tougher coronavirus restrictions.

Commenting on the news that Greater Manchester has been placed into Tier 3 restrictions without adequate financial support, Mr McMahon said: “The imposition of Tier 3 upon Greater Manchester without it’s consent is deeply wrong.

“This wasn’t about Labour vs Conservative, there was cross party support here on the ground in Greater Manchester that Tier 3 measures without the relevant support would be immensely damaging.

“I do not think the government have acted in good faith over the last couple of weeks.

"Every day since Matt Hancock met with MPs to tell us GM would be in Tier 2, someone in government had been briefing the newspapers that we’d be imminently moved to Tier 3.

“This is not a constructive way to engage with local leaders who know their communities best.

"The Chancellor has a lot to answer for, the jobs that will be lost here are a direct consequence of Rishi Sunak failing to act when he could.

“Nationally, Labour recognise the need for stricter public health restrictions.

"However, that must be accompanied by extra financial support.

“My heart goes out to all the businesses in Oldham and across GM, who have been begging for a fair chance since March, done everything that has been asked of them and now won’t be able to access the support they need to survive.

“The support offered earlier in the pandemic, whilst welcome, still left thousands of people with nothing.

"As we enter the second stage of the pandemic the new package of economic measures should go further to cover those who missed out last time.

“But instead people are left with even less support and it just doesn’t make sense.

"Household bills and expenses haven’t decreased, this will push more people into poverty, and it is totally avoidable.”

Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Labour Party, responding to talks between Greater Manchester and the Government concluding without agreement, said: “The collapse of these talks is a sign of Government failure.

“The Conservatives have been treating local communities, particularly in the Midlands, North West and North East, and their leaders with contempt.

“Labour recognise the need for stricter public health restrictions. However, that must be accompanied by extra financial support.

“Labour will continue to support Andy Burnham in the fight for people’s jobs, lives and livelihoods.”

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