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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Helen Carter

MP asks 'why does the government hate Greater Manchester' as Tier 3 deadline passes

The Denton and Reddish Labour MP Andrew Gwynne was clearly angry when he accused the government of 'hating' Greater Manchester.

The question came as the noon deadline for securing a Tier 3 agreement between Greater Manchester politicians and the government loomed.

In a question to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, in the Commons, with his voice raised in anger, Mr Gwynne said:

"All that Greater Manchester's asking for is proper financial support for our businesses, our self-employed and our lowest paid after 12-weeks of failed lockdown measures as we face many more uncertain months ahead.

"When the Prime Minister is reported to be struggling to live on his £150,000 a year salary - how does he think the lowest paid in Greater Manchester will cope on two-thirds of national minimum wage?"

"Last night, the Communities Secretary [Robert Jenrick] offered £22m for our City Region of 2.8 million people. That's less than the £25m he granted to his own town centre.

"Why does this government hate Greater Manchester?"

In response, the Chancellor said it was "disappointing" to hear the Right Honourable Gentleman's tone.

"It's obviously a very difficult time for many people in this country as we evolve our response to this virus," Mr Sunak said.

"What we need is people to be acting in a constructive spirit which is what the Communities Secretary was offering to do."

He said conversations were happening "as we speak."

Mr Sunak said these are national schemes to protect businesses, to protect employees and to provide support to his local authority.

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