MAYOR DAN JARVIS RESPONDS TO PM'S STATEMENT ON LIFTING OF NATIONAL RESTRICTIONS

Published 23 November 2020 at 11:24am

Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement on changes to national COVID restrictions next week, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis, said:

“The Prime Minister’s statement set out significant easing of restrictions, yet provided no clear criteria for how and why regions will enter different tiers. Unless the Government fix the fundamentals – with a functioning test and trace system, comprehensive economic support, and clear and consistent guidance for the public – they risk squandering the sacrifices people and businesses in South Yorkshire have made so far.

“Tougher restrictions have had a massive impact on South Yorkshire’s economy. The Government said it will return to its levelling up agenda after the pandemic, but the brutal reality is we cannot wait that long. At Wednesday’s Spending Review, the Government has a golden opportunity to deliver on its promises. I’ve pressed Ministers to bring forward major investment for our Renewal Action Plan, to give the North the best chance of weathering the storm, ensure businesses survive a tough winter and allow us to kick start the job of economic recovery and renewal.”