‘Possible’ that London Tier 3 announcement could be made today, Mayor Sadiq Khan says

The Mayor of London said Tier 3 could be ‘catastrophic’ for the capital 

Sadiq Khan has said it is “possible” that the Government could make an announcement on London’s tier status today.

The capital is now on the brink of going into Tier 3 after shock figures revealed nearly 24,000 Covid-19 cases in a week.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today chaired a committee - known as Covid O - to discuss the crisis in the capital. Meanwhile, MPs were briefed on the surge in cases. 

The Mayor of London told Sky News: “My understanding is that Covid O is meeting as we speak – that’s the sub-committee of the Cabinet that makes the recommendations.

“We will have to wait and see what the Government decides – it’s a Government decision, not my decision or London leaders’ decision.

“Whatever the Government decides we’ve got to make sure we follow the advice from Government. If they change the rules we’ve got to follow the rules.”

The allocation of tiers was due to be reviewed on December 16 but Mr Khan said the situation in the capital means a decision might be taken sooner.

Pressed if the decision could be made today, Mr Khan replied: “It’s possible because we’ve seen over the last few days a big increase in the virus.”

BBC News Health Editor Hugh Pym said that health ministers and officials were understood to be “deeply concerned” about a sharp rise in virus cases across the capital. 

He commented: “It’s understood that a move of London to Tier 3 is highly likely possibly today.”

The Mayor of London said he had been trying to convince the Government that Tier 3 was a "blunt instrument". 

He also said Tier 3 would be "catastrophic" for London and added: "If they decide to move London to Tier 3 they’ve got to appreciate that it will be catastrophic to our hospitality industry, to our culture and to retail.

“If the Government decides to do that they must provide additional support over and above what’s being offered to make sure these businesses don’t go bust."

MPs from London, Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire were briefed this morning by a minister and senior health officials on outbreaks in their areas. 

Labour MP for Leyton and Wanstead John Cryer said: “The Government telling us that every indicator points to London moving into Tier 3 yet they are not making any such announcement. It looks likely to happen in the next few days, then relaxed over Christmas, then back to the strictest tier when the inevitable consequences happen.”

Ilford North MP Wes Streeting added: "London is showing exponential growth in Covid-19. Given the situation in Redbridge, I'd urge residents to exercise caution, follow the rules and prepare for Tier 3.  

“We haven't been told explicitly that Tier 3 is coming in words, but the numbers don't lie.”

Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle said the briefing on London for MPs showed “very grim figures”.

It comes after both Greenwich and Islington announced they would be closing schools because of the serious rise in coronavirus cases across London.

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