Pupils’ return is country’s main priority, says Boris

BORIS Johnson called for ‘absolutely every pupil’ to return to school next week – saying it was the ‘single most important’ item on the country’s agenda.

the Prime Minister said the overwhelming evidence stated that it was the ‘healthy and safe’ thing to do.

While he admitted other areas of the country were ‘almost certain’ to go into local lockdown, he pledged that schools would be ‘last’ to close. and he reiterated that there was no need to wear masks in school classrooms – in fact there was a ‘need not to’.

the comments, in a video on twitter, came as a poll of headteachers found that while schools are ready to return, only 7 per cent have confidence in the Government’s test and trace system.

While teachers are confident about maintaining Covid-safe classes, ‘big areas of concern still remain, which are mainly outside a school’s control’, the National association of headteachers union said. General Secretary Paul Whiteman said: ‘these figures are a wake-up call to local and national government. they must provide clear guidance, with no more last minute changes, and a well- communicated and well-understood Plan B in the event of further disruption in the autumn term.’

Mr Johnson made his fresh appeal in a Q&a session for parents about next week’s school reopening. he said: ‘It’s the single most important thing on the agenda of our country in the next few days.

‘absolutely every pupil needs to be back in school next week and in the course of the succeeding days as schools go back.

‘the evidence is overwhelming that it’s in the interests of the wellbeing and the health of children to be back in school rather than missing out any more.’