Despite plans to shut pubs and restaurants in north east and north west England being widely leaked, No10 would not even confirm such plans exist – let alone what they might do. The delay comes despite the virus surging in England
A spokesman for Boris Johnson was quizzed on local lockdown plans (Image)
Boris Johnson’s spokesman has refused to confirm any plans for new lockdown rules in the north of England despite claiming the PM “won’t hesitate” to act.
A spokesman for Boris Johnson was quizzed on local lockdown plans (Image)
No10 refused to say such plans even exist despite a widely-leaked draft of proposals to shut pubs and restaurants in places like Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle.
Instead the PM’s spokesman said lockdown rules will change “if we feel like” they need to.
Despite defying calls to announce clear action now, the spokesman added: “If there are any further steps to take, we won’t hesitate to do so.”
Northern leaders were outraged last night after plans to shut pubs and restaurants were leaked to a string of media outlets – before the mayors knew anything about them.
Critics simultaneously accused the government of rushing out “diktats” without discussion – but also of acting too slowly.