an 'utter waste of time'. There's been apparent government 'leaks' to national newspapers, with subsequent reports that Tier 3 measures would be imposed within hours.
They turned out to be off the mark as it emerged a deal was far from done.Politician's morning radio and TV rounds have been dominated by questions over the increasingly-bitter bust-up; the war of words ever-intensifying.The stalemate between government ministers and local leaders comes down to the level of financial support Downing Street is offering to the workers and firms which would be forced to close down.Leaders here are also far from convinced Tier 3 measures would work - and want specifics on an exit strategy.As it stands, neither side is willing to budge.
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