Portsmouth readers react to Boris Johnson's 'conditional plan' to ease lockdown

Boris Johnson’s televised speech this evening shed light on a potential timeline for the reopening of shops, schools and hospitality venues, subject to meeting conditions on the state of coronavirus in the UK.

But readers of The News have been critical of the government’s plans to reopen primary schools, prioritising Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils.

Commenting on The News’ Facebook page, Rachel Brunnen said: ‘How can you keep Year 1 social distancing?

‘I have a daughter in Year 10 who struggles – I'm helping her and she has some support from school, but she needs to be back with the teachers if she's any chance of getting her GCSEs.’

Debbie Webb added: ‘Surely Year 10 secondary school is more important as they are working towards GCSEs.

‘There are only so many classrooms in a school. Leave them until September.’

But other readers think the prime minister has made the correct decision.

Ross Cockburn said: ‘It made sense to me – some light at the end of the tunnel – but a long way to go and people need to keep control if we are to get down the mountain safely.’

Graham Doughty added: ‘Just a thought, but primary school kids need the more immediate help to start their education.

‘Older kids have more ability to catch up.’

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