The reaction was predictable - but it was still disturbing.
The news that the English National Opera (ENO) could be leaving the capital - and be coming to Manchester - was met with fury.
The prestigious arts institution said it was considering moving its headquarters to Manchester as Arts Council England (ACE) planned to divert grant money away from the capital, as part of a new three-year funding programme. While the ENO will receive a £17 million grant over three years to develop a “new business model”, it was quickly framed by the press as an ultimatum - move to Manchester and you’ll receive funds, don’t move and lose your entire grant.
