Manchester to enter tier 3 lockdown after government fails to reach deal with local leaders

Pubs and bars are to be closed in Greater Manchester for a 28-day period after talks with government broke down without agreement and Boris Johnson imposed the toughest level of coronavirus restrictions.

Other businesses to be required to close as the city joins Merseyside and Lancashire in tier 3 of the government’s regional alert system include betting shops, casinos, bingo halls, adult gaming centres and soft play areas.

The restrictions were imposed after Mr Johnson refused mayor Andy Burnham’s request for £75m in funding to support affected businesses and residents in two phone calls today.

Reports suggest that the mayor and leaders of Manchester’s councils reduced their demand to £65m in response to a government offer of £60m, which comes on top of £22m to fund additional contact-tracing, compliance and enforcement.

Local government secretary Robert Jenrick said: “I’m disappointed that despite recognising the gravity of the situation, the mayor has been unwilling to take the action that is required to get the spread of the virus under control in Greater Manchester and reach an agreement with the government.

"I have therefore advised the Prime Minister that these discussions have concluded without an agreement.”