"A total farce": MP's verdict on Lancs Covid meeting, as no decision made on shift to Tier 3 status

A Lancashire MP has branded a meeting with the government over potential changes to Covid restrictions “a total farce”.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

After a morning of feverish talks with MPs and council leaders, the county is staying in Tier 2 of the Covid alert levels – for now.

It had been expected that a Commons statement by health secretary Matt Hancock this morning would announce a shift for most or all of the county into the most restrictive Tier 3.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But Mr. Hancock instead told the House: “No further decisions have yet been made, but we need to make rapid progress.

Lancashire had been braced for a change - but is still waitingLancashire had been braced for a change - but is still waiting
Lancashire had been braced for a change - but is still waiting

“Delayed action means more deaths form Covid. more non-Covid deaths and more economic pain later, because the virus comes down slower than it goes up – so we should stop it up going up in the first place.”

A definitive decision had been expected after almost a week of discussions with local authority leaders.

However, one county MP told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The call with Lancashire’s MPs was a total farce.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It started late, the minister appeared unsure what was happening and local MPs were denied the opportunity ask questions.”

Lancashire has been trying to negotiate a funding package worth nearly £50m more than the £12m believed to be on offer from the government – including a massive discretionary grant scheme to support businesses directly or indirectly affected by a tougher lockdown.

Lancashire’s 15 leaders were set to hold another meeting of their number, after they too were invited onto a call with government officials.

Sources have told the LDRS that a decision could still be made about Lancashire’s status today.

It is more important than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. For unlimited access to news and information online, you can subscribe here.