Labour will force a vote later today demanding ministers put forward a “fair deal” for areas facing Tier 3 lockdown restrictions, with at least 80 per cent of wages guaranteed for workers in businesses shut down by the measures.
“This is not just a matter of fairness for people in Greater Manchester, but for people across the country who could find themselves in Tier 3 in the weeks ahead,” Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said.
“Families and businesses will be deeply anxious that they might not be able to make ends meet under the government’s wholly inadequate proposals.
“The prime minister and the chancellor need to make good on their commitment to the British people to do whatever it takes to help us through this pandemic.”
Labour will today force a vote demanding that the Govt delivers “a fair deal” for areas facing Tier 3 restrictions.
The Govt should guarantee people faced with hardship who are subject to the Job Retention Scheme extension will receive at least 80% of their previous incomes. pic.twitter.com/eW66LkNV67— Labour Whips (@labourwhips) October 21, 2020
– Police commissioner calls on government to show how Tier 3 rules fit into ‘long-term strategy’
South Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner has called on the government to explain to the public how Tier 3 restrictions for the area are part of a “longer term strategy” to defeat coronavirus.
Dr Alan Billings warned the public would be less willing to follow the rules if they felt restrictions were “reactive” as he urged people to back the new measures.
“If going into Tier 3 is necessary to stop the relentless spread of coronavirus, then the police will have a role in enforcing the new restrictions, for all our sakes,” Dr Billings said.
“Having spoken to the chief constable and senior officers, I have no doubt that they will continue to do this in a proportionate way, but we should be in no doubt that there will be enforcement activity if people wilfully flout the law.
“Of course, the police cannot be everywhere all the time. It is essential, therefore, that we all play our part.”
He added: “Equally, the government need to understand that people will continue to observe the rules as long as they feel that what is being proposed is not just reactive, but part of a longer term strategy to defeat the virus.
“How the Tier 3 restrictions fit into that strategy needs careful, constant and consistent explanation.”
