Rebecca Long Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, commenting on the joint union statement in relation to the safe reopening of schools said:

“Labour shares concerns that the inequalities that already exist will widen while schools are closed, and returning to school when it is safe to do so is a priority for the sake of pupils’ education and wellbeing.

“But there are serious problems with the proposed plan to reopen schools on 1 June, which have been raised by parents, school leaders, teaching staff and trade unions.

“Labour urges the Government to urgently work collaboratively with trade unions to create clear conditions, based on the tests they have set out, so that every school can implement them to ensure a safe return. Schools should only reopen when those safety conditions have been met.”