PM warns he may 'need to intervene' on Manchester
- Published
Boris Johnson says the spread of coronavirus in Greater Manchester is "grave" and he may "need to intervene" if new measures are not agreed.
Mr Johnson urged mayor Andy Burnham to "engage constructively" with the government over the region entering "very high" tier three measures.
He said the situation was worsening "with every passing day".
Mr Burnham has called the tougher rules "flawed and unfair" and wants more financial support for people affected.
Speaking at a Downing Street briefing, Mr Johnson said he understood it would be "far from a pain-free course of action" but that if an agreement could not be reached, he would need to "intervene" to protect Manchester's hospitals and "save lives".
"Our efforts will be so much more effective if we work together," he added.
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