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Labour Leader Uses Isle Of Wight Example As "Unfair" Business Grant Handouts Slammed

It is "unfair" that businesses - in areas with tougher coronavirus restrictions - have been granted the same financial help as those on the Isle of Wight, according to the Labour leader.

Sir Keir Starmer has called on the Government to recognise the additional financial impact areas such as Greater Manchester are facing.

He said the Isle of Wight has received the same help as the city, despite having fewer restrictions.

Under the Government's Additional Restrictions Grant, businesses are given a flat rate regardless of how long they have been in restrictions.

Speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon (Tuesday), Sir Keir said the funding is "unfair":

"Greater Manchester, which will be on its 40th day of severe restrictions when it enters Tier Three tomorrow, has received the same one-off support as the Isle of Wight, which went into restrictions far later but will emerge tomorrow in Tier One.

"That is unfair. And everybody knows it's unfair and everybody in this house has been told by its constituents and by their businesses that it is unfair. So to pretend it isn't there just isn't real Prime Minister."

Labour is expected to abstain from tonight's vote on the tiered structure. If approved, the Isle of Wight will fall into Tier 1.

As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, it is the lowest level in the Government's structure. 

Boris Johnson insists there remains a 'compelling case for regional tiers in England'. 

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