Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, commenting on the NEU petition urging the government to open schools only when it is safe to do so, said:

“Labour supports the NEU’s position that schools should be opened only when it is safe to do so and as part of a published exit strategy that has protecting children, workers and family members at its heart.

“School leaders, teachers and support staff have been working tirelessly to keep children’s education going during this crisis and to minimise disruption and the inevitable impact on social inequality. Any decision to lift restrictions cannot be sprung upon schools at short notice.

“We also need clarity about what plans are being put in place to lift the lockdown when the time is right. That’s why we have called for the Government to publish an exit strategy in conjunction with school leaders and teaching unions and to put it before Parliament.’’