Bradford is at risk of being placed into Tier 3 restrictions as talks between local and Government leaders are set to go ahead.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons this afternoon that talks were planned for this week.

He said: "Following the successful introduction of measures in Liverpool and Lancashire, talks are continuing this afternoon, led by the Communities Secretary, with Greater Manchester.

"This week further discussions are planned with South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, the North East and Teesside.

"Sadly over the weekend, we have seen very directly the direct impact of this disease."

Bradford Council could not confirm this afternoon whether or when any meetings are scheduled to take place.

Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said in a statement on Friday that discussions with central government had not yet included any talk of moving into Tier 3 restrictions

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

She also said that both local and national leaders were concerned about the rising infection rate in Bradford.

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: "The number of hospital admissions and tragically deaths is still rising, and it is not only elderly people who are being affected. Our number one priority is to take the most effective action possible to tackle the virus, protect people and save lives."

The latest figures show that Bradford now has more than 350 cases per 100,000 people, a total of 1,920 positive tests.

See today's area-by-area breakdown of coronavirus cases across Bradford here.

After failing to strike an agreement with Greater Manchester over Tier 3 restrictions today, ministers are “carefully considering next steps”.

A Government spokesman said: “A meeting between government and local leaders in Greater Manchester has concluded this afternoon following discussions throughout last week, over the weekend and this morning on measures necessary to protect the public.

“Disappointingly, we have still not been able to reach an agreement.

“This is particularly concerning against the backdrop of rising cases and hospitalisations in Greater Manchester. We are carefully considering next steps.”

I cannot stress enough: time is of the essence. Each day that passes before action is taken means more people will go to hospital, more people will end up in intensive care and tragically more people will die" - Boris Johnson

Prime Minister Boris Johnson hinted on Friday that he would be prepared to take action on increasing regional measures without agreement from local leaders.

Regarding the Greater Manchester area, he said: “On recent trends, in just over two weeks there will be more Covid patients in intensive care than at the peak of the first wave.

“I cannot stress enough: time is of the essence. Each day that passes before action is taken means more people will go to hospital, more people will end up in intensive care and tragically more people will die.

“Of course, if agreement cannot be reached, I will need to intervene in order to protect Manchester’s hospitals and save the lives of Manchester’s residents.

“But our efforts would be so much more effective if we work together.”

Meanwhile, a two-week “firebreak” lockdown in Wales will protect the NHS from being overwhelmed by resurgence of coronavirus and save lives, the First Minister has said.

Mark Drakeford appealed to the nation to “come together” and “play our part in a common endeavour” during the latest round of measures to come into force from 6pm Friday.

The restrictions, which will require people to stay at home and non-essential businesses like pubs and shops to be closed, will last until November 9.