Letter from... Manchester

By Joshua Bell, Newgate Manchester

Greater Manchester is in a precarious situation. The city has slowly been coming back to life, however, the combination of rising COVID-19 cases and local lockdowns is impacting its re-emergence. Just today, Bolton has seen its restrictions tighten, with the hospitality sector set to close its doors and the re-introduction of visitor restrictions at hospitals and care homes. 

Manchester itself is a city which feels like it has reached, if not passed, its capacity to unlock safely. And this scenario provides a serious headache for the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, who is keen to see the city centre busy once again with commuters and tourists. This very precarious balancing act of unlocking Greater Manchester is one which will require diligent and cautious leadership over the next few months, especially  as we move toward the winter.