LEIGH MP James Grundy has expressed his opposition to the area being moved to harsher Tier Three coronavirus restrictions - and claimed that a ""total lockdown" would be "destructive and devastating".

The government has issued an ultimatum to local and regional leaders to reach an agreement on Tuer Three restrictions today, Tuesday.

Mr Grundy has opposed a move into Tier Three, in line with regional mayor Andy Burnham.

However, the Conservative MP distanced himself from the proposal of the Labour party for a fuller lockdown.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer last week touted a total 'circuit breaker' lockdown.

The MP said he "cannot imagine a more destructive and devastating approach" for the community.

In a statement, the Leigh MP said: "As many of you know, over the last week, discussions have been ongoing as to whether Greater Manchester should enter Tier 3 COVID-19 restrictions.

"Last week, during a meeting with the Health Minister and all Greater Manchester MPs, I expressed the opposition my constituents have to moving into Tier 3, as over the course of the last week, I have received a number of questions about the proposed restrictions in terms of their effectiveness and scope, as well as the financial support for those affected by them.

"The Mayor of Greater Manchester has also expressed similar concerns, but there is a key difference between our shared objection to Tier 3. The GM Mayor’s preferred alternative to Tier 3 is a complete lockdown of Greater Manchester, as part of a wider so-called 'circuit breaker' that will see another full lockdown of the whole country."

Mr Grundy added: "I cannot imagine a more destructive and devastating approach than another total lockdown of our local community. Shutting down almost all businesses, all schools, and vast sections of our vital public services, as well as confining us all to our homes again would destroy our fragile local economy, and have severe consequences for the physical and mental health of many of my constituents.

"If Tier 3 is like extensive surgery, then the total lockdown supported by the Mayor of Greater Manchester would be akin to a beheading for many families and businesses that have yet to fully recover from the first lockdown.

"Let me be clear, I am completely opposed to another total lockdown of the area, and many of my constituents have also indicated to me that they too strongly oppose another total lockdown.

"Negotiations about how to proceed are still ongoing, and I and my Conservative colleagues from across Greater Manchester had constructive discussions last week with both the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, and with No 10 in order to find a way forward.

"I believe that all politicians of all parties in Greater Manchester want the best for their constituents, however, given the pressing nature of this issue, it is vital that we all put party politics aside and urgently return to the negotiating table to resolve our concerns, provide clarity and support for local people, and hammer out a resolution to this crisis."