Greater Manchester Lib Dems call foul on the Government's snap announcements.

Lib Dem leaders from across Greater Manchester have heavily criticised Thursday night's shambolic announcement to impose social restrictions across the 10 boroughs in the region.

"It would appear that the Johnson administration doesn't have a handle on what's going on in the North. " Said Councillor Andy Kelly from Rochdale Council. "As well as sending mixed messages encouraging people to use restaurants and pubs with discounted meals next week, people are feeling scared by confusing messaging about not being able to meet in their own gardens but a pub beer garden is ok."

"There are also community cohesion issues here too." continued Kelly. "Making this announcement the night before Eid has triggered a mis-targeted blame game, when in fact we should be working together to protect against this dreadful virus. The group with the highest infection rate is young people. The Government would do better by supporting our local youth services to deliver support and education through outreach work rather than this sledgehammer to crack a nut approach."

"We need to stay safe, wear a mask, washing hands and maintaining social distancing as usual."