Labour urges the Government to commit to reopening schools first when lockdown restrictions are eased

Embargoed until 2230Hrs, Monday 25 January 2021

Ahead of an urgent question in Parliament tomorrow, Labour is calling on the Government to guarantee that schools and colleges will be first to reopen when lockdown eases.

Boris Johnson created further confusion over when schools will reopen yesterday, refusing to set out a timeline and telling reporters “Schools obviously will be a priority”, suggesting they are among a number of options the Government is looking at.

Wes Streeting MP, Shadow Schools Minister, said:

“Boris Johnson has once again created confusion for parents and school staff who are working incredibly hard to support children’s learning despite continual incompetence from this Government.

“Labour has been clear that safeguarding our children’s education must be the top priority: that means schools must be the last to close and first to reopen.

“The Government should be working with education staff to develop a credible plan to get pupils back to schools and colleges safely as soon as possible.

“Boris Johnson must guarantee that schools and colleges will be first to reopen.”