'One rule for Sunderland, another for London - but we must stick to it' - city leader after North East placed in Tier 3 covid restrictions

It was revealed on Thursday, November 27, that Sunderland and the rest of the North East will be placed under the highest level of restrictions when the second national lockdown ends on December 2.

The move means households are banned from mixing indoors, and hospitality venues can offer takeaway service only. The decision will be reviewed on December 16.

Council leaders in the region issued a joint statement immediately after the announcement, urging people to take care, especially in busy town and city centres as shops reopened, and during the five days over Christmas when rules will be relaxed.

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Now Sunderland City Council leader Councillor Graeme Miller has blasted the Government over the handling of the tier decisions – while he also urged people to stick to the rules and do their bit to stem the spread of coronavirus.

“Far from levelling up, this Government appears to have one rule for London and another for the North East – something that is blatantly obvious when you look at the comparative figures and the tiers we have been placed in,” said Cllr Miller.

“However, while we are all bitterly disappointed by the decision to place the city in Tier 3, we must remember that these measures have been put in place to protect us and that each and every one of us has a role to play in not only helping the city bounce back from the crisis, but protecting our NHS and the lives of our people.

“Our priority has to be to get out of Tier 3. Only by continuing to observe the rules put in place and socially distancing will we be able to recover from this and climb out of Tier 3. If there is one thing the people of Sunderland always do, it is to harness our amazing community spirit and support one another through even the most testing of times.

“We must – we have - and I’m incredibly confident we will continue to - come together as a city and fight this deadly virus together, no matter what is thrown at us.”

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