Downing Street Has Officially Told Northern Leaders More Lockdown Measures Are On The Way
2 min read
Downing Street has tonight written to local council leaders and regional mayors in the north of England to say it is "very likely" some areas will face further lockdown restrictions.
The letter from the Prime Minister's senior adviser Sir Edward Lister, seen by PoliticsHome, comes after a round of calls with regional leaders this evening.
Northern leaders have expressed significant anger this week about not being kept in the loop on major decisions that may effect their area.
Leaks to newspapers this week suggested that up to 10 million people could be living under tighter rules including the full closure of pubs and restaurants by midnight on Monday.
A new three-tier system of lockdown measures is also expected to be introduced.
Sir Edward wrote in his letter: "The rising incidence in parts of the country mean that it is very likely that certain local areas will face further restrictions.
"Given the significant implications for these areas, and noting the vital contribution of local leaders and public health officials to the local response thus far, the Prime Minister is clear that local leaders should be able to help shape the package of measures in the most concerning areas."
The Prime Minister will make a statement on Monday, the letter said, which is expceted to be about further restrictions and there is speculation it will affect Newcastle, Manchester and Liverpool.
He said Downing Street would engage with local authority leaders specifically over the weekend and discuss a "set of measures".
"All of which present difficult choices," he said.
Among the regional mayors Downing Street spoke to this evening are Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester and Dan Jarvis, the mayor of South Yorkshire.
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