The Guardian Australia

The Guardian view on Johnson and Greater Manchester: the politics of a pandemic

- Editorial

A month ago, the prime minister urged the nation to show “the spirit of togetherne­ss” to defeat Covid-19, while rejecting the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencie­s’ recommenda­tion of a two-week countrywid­e lockdown. Since then, his government has continued its divide-and-rule approach. It has not only tightened regional restrictio­ns, but pitched compliant areas (such as Liverpool) against less cooperativ­e ones (Greater Manchester). Despite the cross-party opposition there to a further tightening, it singles out the mayor, Andy Burnham, for blame.

Now it is bullying its way out of the stand-off. On Tuesday, in the manner of a mafia don, Boris Johnson lamented the rejection of a “generous offer” and insisted that “We don’t want to do this in the way that we’ve had to,” as he imposed tier 3 restrictio­ns on Greater Manchester – while the region’s politician­s were initially told that proffered support would be taken away. At his press conference, Mr Johnson dodged the question of whether the £60m previously offered had been snatched away. Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said it was still on the table, subject to discussion.

But this is a moment that the people of Greater Manchester, and others in the north, will neither forgive nor forget. Public Health England says deaths are rising sharply; the 241 reported on Tuesday were the highest daily toll since June. What Tory as well as Labour politician­s are balking at is not a decisive interventi­on to turn the tide, but a strategy that damages jobs and businesses without either sufficient benefit or government support. Greater Manchester, which has already endured months of extra measures, said £65m was the very least needed to protect the poorest. The government, which has spent £210bn on its pandemic response, refused the last £5m.

It has tried to pursue a regional approach to Covid-19 without either listening to regional leaders and experts or providing the cash needed. Its divisive and miserly approach is hitting areas already immiserate­d under Tory leadership: the punishing effects of austerity were felt most harshly in poorer, largely Labour-held areas of England, while wealthier, largely Conservati­ve areas were better protected from cuts. Among the worst-hit local authoritie­s were Knowsley (in the Liverpool city region) and Manchester.

But ministers surely withheld the £5m this time because they fear a more generous deal when they know the virus will continue to spread. Mr Hancock has said talks on tier 3 status are planned with other parts of the north, north-east and Midlands; Sheffield is high on the list. Coronaviru­s will creep into other areas, just as it is creeping from younger to older people. This is why the prime minister cannot rule out a national lockdown, and also why it is likely to arrive by stealth.

In contrast, Wales begins its twoweek circuit breaker lockdown on Friday. Northern Ireland has introduced an extended school break and strict measures including the closure of pubs and restaurant­s for all but takeaways and deliveries. Across the border, Ireland is imposing a six-week lockdown akin to the spring’s, including a 5km

travel limit and the closure of nonessenti­al shops, although schools will remain open.

Goodwill and a sense of responsibi­lity remain, despite everything. Two-thirds of those surveyed say they would support a short lockdown in

England. Mr Burnham rightly warned on Tuesday that: “We need to carry people with us, not crush their spirit.”

But a government that boasted of levelling up is showing contempt for those it is supposed to protect.

 ?? Photograph: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images ?? Boris Johnson at a press conference at 10 Downing Street on Tuesday.
Photograph: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images Boris Johnson at a press conference at 10 Downing Street on Tuesday.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia