Manchester tier 3 talks deadlocked as other areas face stricter rules

Communities secretary says contours of an agreement' are in place but mayor rejects claim

• Coronavirus - latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage

Talks between ministers and Greater Manchester to put the region into the top level of coronavirus rules appeared deadlocked on Monday, as Downing Street prepared to move other parts of northern England under the tightest restrictions.

While Robert Jenrick, the communities secretary, said the contours of an agreement" were in place, this was disputed by the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham.