Labour politicians angry about leaked plans to shut some pubs

Labour politicians in the North of England have criticised the Government over leaked plans to close pubs and restaurants next week to tackle rising coronavirus cases.

The proposals, which have not been confirmed, appeared on some front pages, provoking an angry response from opposition MPs and Labour elected mayors.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham tweeted: "No discussion. No consultation. Millions of lives affected by Whitehall diktat. It is proving impossible to deal with this Government.''

Dan Jarvis, Sheffield City Region mayor and Barnsley Central MP, wrote on Twitter: "Recklessly irresponsible to brief the papers but not leaders in the North who'll somehow have to make this work. Get a grip''.

Liverpool City Region metro mayor Steve Rotheram said: "It is deeply disappointing to wake up this morning to reports that new Covid-19 restrictions affecting millions of people in our city region, and across the North, could be in place within days, rather than hearing it during a genuine dialogue between ministers and local leaders.

"At the moment we have a patchwork of local measures across the country and too much confusion for the public as a result.''

Shadow business minister Lucy Powell, Manchester Central MP, tweeted: "Let's remember infections still largely occurring: inside households, then in education (mainly university) settings then health/care settings, then workplaces. In that order. Only then (and further down) do you get to hospitality and other settings...''

Referring to the prospect of pubs in northern England being shut down, she added: "It's really upsetting and a lot of anxiety for all those working in and running restaurants, pubs, bars in ''the North" (that place up there where 15m of us live).''

Labour MPs in the North East of England were also angry.

Downing Street has hinted at fresh restrictions on pubs and restaurants in coronavirus hotspots, saying a "range of options'' are being considered, with preliminary data showing there is "significant'' exposure in hospitality settings.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We are seeing coronavirus cases rise across the entire country but they are rising faster in the North East and the North West.

"We are keeping the data under close review and we are considering a range of options to reduce the spread of the virus in order to protect communities and to protect the NHS.''

Asked about infections in hospitality in England as Scotland prepares to introduce fresh restrictions, the spokesman said: "Early data does suggest that a significant proportion of exposure to the virus is seen in the hospitality sector and that is even more pronounced in younger age groups where we have been seeing the most rapid rise in infections.

"The data is new and we will continue to gather evidence and review it.''