What time is PMQs today? How to watch live as Boris Johnson faces Sir Keir Starmer amid fury over Greater Manchester support package
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to face Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions as fury over his government’s support package for the tier 3-bound Greater Manchester region grows.
Ahead of their exchange the Leader of the Opposition has promised to force a vote on support packages for communities following the furore.
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Hide AdHe tweeted: “The Government's treatment of the North West has been a disgrace. It is treating millions of people with contempt.
“Tomorrow Labour will force Parliament to vote for a fair deal for communities facing restrictions.”
Earlier Starmer had said that “the Conservatives have been treating local communities, particularly in the Midlands, North West and North East, and their leaders with contempt.”
What time is Prime Minister's Questions?
The next Prime Minister’s Questions will take place today (October 21) at 12pm.
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Hide AdPMQs takes place at 12pm every Wednesday when the House of Commons is in session.
Where can I watch Prime Minister’s Questions?
You can watch PMQs live in full on BBC Parliament here.
If you are unable to watch live you can catch up with previous PMQs here.
Greater Manchester placed under tier 3 restrictions
Yesterday the Prime Minister confirmed that the Greater Manchester region would be placed under tier 3 coronavirus restrictions despite talks over a support fund for the city ending in acrimony.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said talks collapsed after the Government refused to meet his demand for £65 million to support the livelihoods of people in the region as they face the closure of pubs, bars, bookmakers and other premises.
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Hide AdBut Whitehall insiders accused the Labour mayor of “intransigence” and claimed his “pride” had scuppered a deal.
Amid the bitter recriminations between politicians in Westminster and Manchester, the lives of 2.8 million people will be placed under tougher curbs from Friday.
Addressing reporters in Manchester, Mr Burnham said leaders of the authorities in Greater Manchester had originally wanted £90 million – £15 million a month until the end of the financial year – to protect incomes for people forced out of work.
They reduced that sum eventually to £65 million, but ministers would only offer £60 million.
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Hide AdThe Prime Minister only confirmed a £22 million sum as he announced the new restrictions at a Downing Street press conference, money intended to implement and enforce the new rules.
Sheffield on the verge of tier 3
The Prime Minister is also expected to announce the upgrading of restrictions in the City of Sheffield and South Yorkshire on Wednesday.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the Prime Minister and Sheffield City Region’s mayor Dan Jarvis would make an announcement later on Wednesday.
But a spokesman for the Sheffield City Region said talks were continuing and a deal had not yet been agreed, and Mr Jenrick acknowledged “there are some further points we need to discuss”.