Mayor Andy Burnham accuses Government of treating North as 'canaries'

The mayor of Greater Manchester discusses the government's reluctance to impose a national lockdown due to economic concerns, opting instead for a regional lockdown strategy in the northwest. This approach is criticized as experimental and potentially harmful to local economies. The mayor advocates for a unified national strategy to control the virus, emphasizing the need to protect the health of the nation without disproportionately impacting the north of England.

What is the main reason the government is hesitant to implement a national lockdown?

• Economic damage

• Fear of public backlash

• Lack of scientific evidence

• Political pressure

Which regions are mentioned as being used for an experimental regional lockdown strategy?

• Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region

• London and Birmingham

• Cornwall and Devon

• Scotland and Wales

What metaphor is used to describe the regions involved in the regional lockdown strategy?

• Guinea pigs in a lab

• Fish out of water

• Canaries in the coal mine

• Lambs to the slaughter

What alternative to the regional lockdown does the speaker suggest?

• Increased testing only

• A national circuit breaker

• A complete lifting of restrictions

• Localized curfews

What is the speaker's main criticism of the current regional lockdown strategy?

• It is too strict

• It is too lenient

• It is not enforced properly

• It is unfunded and risky