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Leader of St Helens City Council said he was « gravely concerned » over impact of tighter lockdown restrictions on jobs and the local economy
Council leaders, led by Liverpool Metropolitan Area Mayor Steve Rotheram, have been locked in talks with ministers all weekend to negotiate a package of support for looming restrictions, which are expected to be outlined by the government today
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to address Parliament this afternoon and the nation later this evening, where he is expected to present the new three-tier lockdown system of government
The region of the city of Liverpool, of which St Helens is a part, should be placed below level 3, placing the region on « very high » alert
Heads of the city region said this morning that the government has decided to close pubs and bars; betting shops, casinos and adult gaming centers and gyms
The measures aim to help stop the spread of Covid 19 in the region, reduce infection levels and relieve pressure on hospitals and the NHS
On Sunday evening, the mayor of the metro and St Helens Borough Council chief David Baines denied reports in the media that the city’s region leaders had accepted the lockdown measures
Speaking on Twitter, Cllr Baines said the government had decided to impose the restrictions and that « none of this was up for discussion »
In a statement released today, Cllr Baines said the government has not provided any scientific evidence showing areas that need to be closed are a higher risk than others.
Cllr Baines said: “The level of restrictions and the details of which businesses would be forced to close were not up for negotiation – the government had already decided on this and was adamant that it wanted to maintain education, retail and the majority of open workplaces, giving us the indication that all other parameters have been chosen for default closure
« There is no scientific evidence provided to us that shows that areas to be closed are a higher risk than others
“We still do not know the full list of companies and parameters that will be asked to close.
“In a call with senior government officials over the weekend, it was suggested that pubs that serve ‘hearty meals’ be allowed to remain open, but I cannot say if this is the case because the government did not confirm it
« We asked the government for details on the thresholds for each level so that we know exactly what we need to do to move to level 2 and ease the restrictions. No details have so far been given
“At each meeting, we stressed the need for financial support for businesses that the government has asked to close and for all workers involved. I am seriously concerned about our local economy and the impact of these measures on employment If the government does not do what is necessary, we will do all we can at the local level to support the businesses and people affected
« Our priority must be to control the virus and save lives, but we must also protect the economy – the government can and must do both »
St Helens MPs also took to Twitter this morning to share their thoughts on the planned lockdown restrictions, ahead of this afternoon’s announcement
Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North and shadow Home Secretary, said the shutdown would have a ‘devastating impact’ on lives and livelihoods
« The government says to bring them down it needs to shut down huge swathes of our economy and society, which will have a devastating impact on lives and livelihoods
« We need clear evidence for this and a package of financial support We haven’t yet either »
Marie Rimmer, MP for St Helens South and Whiston, said: ‘If the government insists on imposing level 3 restrictions on St Helens, Knowsley and the rest of Merseyside, then the financial support must be there
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Liverpool, Hospitality, Boris Johnson, St Helens, Lockdown
News from around the world – GB – St Helens Council leader ‘gravely concerned’ over new lockdown measures
