Tougher restrictions expected in Manchester - with London to move into Tier 2

Discussions are continuing between local leaders and the Government over the extension of coronavirus controls, with Greater Manchester and Lancashire at risk of having the toughest Tier 3 restrictions which would involve closing pubs and bars unless they can operate as restaurants.

MPs in the capital have been told that London will move to Tier 2 at midnight on Friday, meaning households will be banned from mixing indoors including pubs from Saturday.

Ministers are holding a series of talks with MPs from the regions affected by the changes ahead of Health Secretary Matt Hancock giving a Commons update on the measures.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who has been resisting following the Liverpool City Region into Tier 3 restrictions, was to hold talks with No 10 as he demands greater financial support.

His region and Lancashire are under pressure to accept the controls set out for “very high” risk areas, which have so far only been applied in the Liverpool City Region.

Households would also be barred from mixing in pubs and restaurants.

It comes as talks continue between the government and local leaders over the expansion of the strictest coronavirus restrictions to more parts of England.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Nobody wants to see more restrictions but this is deemed to be necessary in order to protect Londoners.”

He added that there was “simply no other option”, as he told people in London: “We’ve got a difficult winter ahead.”

The new three-tier system sees every area of England classed as being on medium, high or very high alert.

Greater Manchester and Lancashire could join Liverpool City Region and be placed under Tier 3 - “very high”.

MPs in Greater Manchester and London were both invited to join ministerial calls on Thursday morning.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock is due to update MPs on the latest measures in a Commons statement later.