After Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said this morning that Greater Manchester was "effectively trying to hold the Government over a barrel over money and politics", three Northern mayors have hit back in a joint statement which reads...
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"The Government is claiming that the North is divided and only interested in getting what we can for our own region. That is simply not the case. We are all united in fighting for an 80% furlough scheme for all people affected by regional lockdowns, wherever they are in the country.
"Paying two-thirds of salaries will not be enough to protect the jobs of thousands – it should at least match the 80% that was available under furlough, with the minimum wage as the minimum support.
"The Universal Credit top up is not the answer. It doesn't help everybody and takes weeks to come through. It will not prevent severe hardship for thousands of low paid workers before Christmas. But we won't forget the self-employed and freelancers and other business who will be affected by these lockdowns, they also need support and we stand firm for those too."
The statement is signed by: Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Jamie Driscoll, Mayor of North Tyne and Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region.
Not all counties are united, as this morning Lancashire agreed to move into Tier 3 restrictions after a reported £42million deal. Apparently there are no scheduled talks today between GM Leaders and the Government.
For the latest news on Salford cases see previous Salford Star article – click here
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