Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andy Carter and Laura Trott

Monday 1st March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Andy Carter (Warrington South) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure the safety of students and staff when schools re-open as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

[Laura Trott (Sevenoaks) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure the safety of students and staff when schools re-open as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

[The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson)]

The decision to return to full attendance is based on a balance of risk—on protecting our NHS while protecting students from the harms of missing education. Our decision is evidence-based. We have introduced safety measures, including testing and the extended use of face coverings, alongside other systems of control to minimise transmission of covid.