LONDON (UK) – More than 50 Conservative parliamentarians have demanded in a letter that Prime Minister Boris Johnson must show how he will help the north of England. They also sought a roadmap out of coronavirus curbs and expedition of infrastructure projects for the region.
Given the higher infection levels in the north of England, restrictions have been tightened. This has made local politicians warn that their areas are being pummelled by the pandemic.
The landslide win of the Conservatives last year was buoyed by support from northern England which traditionally does not favour that party. They voted for Johnson after a promise to “level up” regions where investment and productivity lag.
With the tough restrictions in those areas threatening to set back those regions further, Conservative lawmakers have called on the prime minister to take swift action.
“We have long needed a good deal for the North from the Government and the virus has only exacerbated that need,” said lawmaker William Wragg who represents a constituency south of Manchester.
They also demanded a “clear roadmap” out of the government’s highest lockdown tier, which covers large swathes in northern England, including Manchester, Liverpool and South Yorkshire.
The parliamentarians also sought the expedition of infrastructure projects such as new road and rail projects in order to create jobs and boost growth and productivity. They also want a specific Northern Economic Recovery Plan.
“We cannot forget that we must deliver on our commitments made during that election, to level-up northern communities and create opportunity across our region,” lawmaker Jake Berry, who represents a constituency north of Manchester, said in a statement.