Additional Covid-19 Restrictions: Fair Economic Support

Informs the House that Mr Speaker has selected a manuscript amendment in the name of the Prime Minister due to the motion being tabled shortly before an interruption, adhering to a precedent set on 3 December 2001.

The hon. Member emphasised that the Government's plan will not protect people in Greater Manchester from poverty. She requested the Prime Minister to honour his own promises regarding financial support for workers and businesses facing hardship due to additional restrictions.

The hon. Member agreed with the need for a fair economic settlement, expressing disappointment in the way elected leaders were treated by the Government during negotiations over restrictions and financial support.

The hon. Member supported the Welsh Government's approach to addressing the pandemic, highlighting that their plan was based on working with local government and businesses to bring down the R number.

The hon. Member asked whether the Opposition would be present for potential votes regarding national restrictions in Parliament, challenging the sincerity of their calls for voting rights.

Points to stark evidence from the deputy chief medical officer that a one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate. Questions if there has been any counter-evidence from the Welsh Government suggesting otherwise.

Acknowledges today as the anniversary of Aberfan tragedy, expresses gratitude for £2.5 million provided for tip moving in Tylorstown. Questions whether the Barnett formula will apply to financial awards given to Manchester and other parts of England so that Wales also receives additional funding. Expresses concern over businesses and individuals unable to afford self-isolation without financial support.

Suggests the Minister's criticism of the Mayor of Manchester was unwarranted, noting that the Mayor requested a substantial amount (£90 million) and negotiated it down to £65 million. Asks if the Government would recognise the constructive efforts of all Mayors and council leaders.

Welcomes support for local testing, tracking and tracing but criticises negotiations as more akin to a 'take it or leave it' financial package. Indicates that discussions in South Yorkshire have been less about negotiation than instruction on what cannot be done.

Raises concerns over the self-employed and those ineligible for existing schemes, highlighting fears of income drops post-November due to increased lockdown restrictions. Emphasises the need to support these individuals who cannot rely on current schemes.

Expresses dissatisfaction with the financial package offered by the Government, highlighting insufficiencies across areas like Lancashire and Manchester. Stresses the need for dialogue to address different economic complexities in varying regions.

Stresses the importance of allowing businesses to stay open, but recognises restrictions imposed on some. Questions if the job support scheme can be widened for those businesses that are unviable under tier 2 or 3 conditions.

Inquires about potential further support packages to Wales, especially concerning the two-week firebreak starting on Friday. Questions if the Minister can provide clarity after meeting Finance Ministers from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Requests clarification from the Minister regarding the £700 million announced for support, whether it covers business support or additional costs including health service expenses. Emphasises the need for clarity on consequences for devolved Administrations and city regions.

The state's actions regarding the tiered system in Greater Manchester have been chaotic and incompetent, leading to significant economic and mental health challenges for the region. The Government’s decision to move Greater Manchester into a tier 3 lockdown without proper support is undermining their promise of 'levelling up' the north. Local hero Marcus Rashford has highlighted the issue of child poverty exacerbated by these restrictions. The city of Manchester has shown stability in reducing coronavirus cases, yet the government plans an indefinite shutdown. This decision hampers economic recovery and mental health efforts.

Deeply regrets the collapse of negotiations but insists on continued dialogue with local leaders for a settlement. Requests additional support mechanisms for minimum wage earners and the self-employed, and advocates for allowing certain businesses to remain open if deemed safe. Hopes for lifting tier 3 restrictions if infection rates improve post-28 days and prioritises vaccine distribution in affected areas.

Expresses deep disappointment with the Government's negotiation tactics, highlighting their failure to provide adequate support and their divisive approach. Urges for protection against economic hardships caused by tier 3 restrictions, including reduced furlough payments and potential debt issues. Calls for a renewed package of protections for those affected and cautions against the 'divide and rule' strategy.

Twigg supports reopening gyms but criticises tier 3 restrictions, citing high unemployment rates in his constituency. He calls for a cross-party covid war Cabinet to address the crisis and requests additional financial support for businesses and individuals affected by tier 3 measures. He highlights specific cases of self-employed workers struggling due to lack of adequate government assistance.

Richards emphasises the substantial economic support provided by the Government, including job retention and business grants. She criticises Labour for not supporting businesses during previous administrations and questions their consistency on various issues. She acknowledges the importance of financial assistance but also promotes a focus on supporting local economies through wealth creators such as businesses.

The hon. Member Chris Clarkson expressed dismay at how the situation has unfolded over the past few weeks regarding Greater Manchester's tier restrictions. He criticised local leaders like Andy Burnham for their handling of negotiations with the Government and called on them to prioritise support for constituents over personal gains. Clarkson urged for a quick settlement in providing financial assistance to boroughs within Greater Manchester.

The hon. Member Angela Rayner sought guidance from the Deputy Speaker regarding remarks made by Chris Clarkson about Labour Front Benchers, urging him to withdraw or apologise for any inaccuracies in his speech.

The narrative that local leaders in areas like Hyndburn do not care about their residents is unacceptable. Lancashire has proactively worked with the Government to receive additional financial support and protect businesses while stopping virus transmissions. The Mayor of Greater Manchester's decision to walk away from a fair deal shows that his area’s lives are worth less than others, which is not agreed upon in Lancashire.

The Government have failed to provide sufficient support through standard packages for businesses and local people. Many businesses partly affected will struggle or close without help. Families cannot afford to isolate, so the furlough scheme should be extended beyond £500 for poorer families. Travel restrictions are illogical, as people in tier 3 can go abroad but not within the UK. The Government’s advice is half-baked and disreputable, with unenforced rules causing confusion.

The hon. Member criticised the Government's approach to managing the crisis and highlighted the disparity in support received by private firms compared to local communities. She pointed out that Greater Manchester had seen a rise in unemployment, an increase in universal credit claimants, and a high number of people excluded from economic support. She called for immediate action to protect livelihoods and requested national measures rather than regional ones.

The speaker acknowledged the need for a balanced approach between civil liberties and public safety in tackling the pandemic, stressing the importance of maintaining trust with the public. He emphasised that while local approaches were necessary due to varying infection rates, they should not undermine fairness or delay crucial actions to protect the public.

Ms. Jardine expresses frustration with the Government's handling of the pandemic, highlighting cases in her constituency where businesses and individuals are struggling despite not qualifying for support. She calls on the government to admit its shortcomings, extend the job retention scheme until June 2021, extend business rates holidays to protect certain sectors, and ensure that excluded groups receive assistance. Emphasising the need for continued furlough support and economic aid, she warns of deep trouble if these measures are not taken.

Mr. Higginbotham acknowledges the significant impact of the pandemic on Lancashire but emphasises that the Government has provided necessary support at every stage. He reminds Opposition members of their historical neglect towards northern England and expresses his commitment to 'levelling up.' He outlines recent financial aid given to Lancashire, including £42 million for businesses and people, and £12 million for public health measures.

Mr. Smith criticises the Government's handling of negotiations with Greater Manchester, stating that their refusal to provide support beyond a per capita figure is flawed as it does not account for regional variations in business density and economic needs. He calls for a more sophisticated formula that takes into consideration factors like previous need and low-wage worker concentration. He also questions the fairness of such an approach when applied to rural or retired-population-heavy areas, arguing it fails the 'levelling up' test.

Criticises the Government's approach and the rhetoric that divides communities, calling for a national strategy with rationality. She advocates for local expertise in decision-making and emphasises the need for support to protect jobs and businesses.

Defends the Government’s actions by highlighting its £200 billion package, including furloughs and job support schemes. He criticises the Opposition for lacking constructive ideas and using covid response money improperly.

Expresses concern about tier 3 measures affecting his region’s industries, particularly the cab driving community. Calls on the Chancellor to increase support to at least 80% and provide fair funding for affected regions.

The Government are being fair in their support for those under tier 3 restrictions, offering a clear and national criteria. They have outlined generous financial assistance through the job retention scheme and universal credit contributions compared to other countries like France, Germany, and Spain. The focus on track and trace is critical; Manchester will receive £60 million, similar to other regions, showing fairness in distribution.

The speaker expressed concern about the impact of tier 3 restrictions on families and communities, particularly those living on low incomes. She highlighted the need for fairer support measures that do not plunge people into poverty and criticised the Government's handling of Greater Manchester leaders.

Called for wind-ups to begin sharp at one minute to four, likely a procedural announcement rather than substantive debate contribution.

Discussed the challenges faced by businesses in tier 2 areas, such as Warrington. Highlighted that while there is support for closures due to restrictions and a £500 payment for those self-isolating on low incomes, additional sector-specific support is needed for hospitality businesses.

Emphasised the need for financial support for food and drink wholesalers who serve hospitality venues, as well as other essential services like schools and care homes. Criticised the Government's delayed response to restrictions, calling for urgent measures such as extending the furlough scheme.

Since March, the UK Government have provided unprecedented support to Wales, including £4.4 billion in financial support and protecting 400,000 jobs through the furlough scheme. However, the national lockdown imposed by the Welsh Government is unnecessarily damaging businesses and jobs in areas of low infection rates. The Welsh Government's decision was partly due to their reluctance to co-operate with the UK Government on covid-19 discussions and slow publication of coronavirus infection rates district by district. There needs to be fair economic support that targets financial assistance to areas with high infection rates.

The current Government is incompetent, failing to provide strong leadership during the pandemic. The Government's business support formula does not add up and has been adjusted after negotiations, suggesting a lack of transparency and reliability. Manchester was initially offered £55 million but received different amounts throughout discussions, indicating inconsistency in their approach. This behaviour shows that the Government prioritises political wins over people’s welfare.

The Government's offer to support businesses in Greater Manchester is generous and proportionate compared to other regions like Liverpool and Lancashire. The rejection of this offer after long negotiations is disappointing. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, shows real leadership by aiming to agree on measures with other local leaders well before any move to a higher tier, protecting both businesses and livelihoods without delay.

The Government are secretive about their framework for support in tier 3 areas, which offers £20 per head. This is insufficient and unfair as it does not consider factors like the duration of restrictions or the extent of deprivation. The author questions why the Government has not published this phantom framework and why they continue to engage in one-sided negotiations with regions. She also criticises the job support scheme for its flaws, such as a five-week waiting period, savings threshold exclusion, and dependency on partner's circumstances. Dodds calls upon the Chancellor to fix these issues, implement a circuit breaker if necessary, and align with the Prime Minister’s stated intentions.

Fletcher raised a point of order regarding inappropriate language used by a senior member of the Labour Front Bench, calling for an apology on behalf of Manchester and to uphold proper decorum in parliamentary discussions.

Evans reminded Members to use appropriate language and referenced 'Erskine May' guidelines on good temper and moderation in parliamentary discourse, warning of potential interventions if such practices continue.