Portsmouth MP blasts education secretary for school delays 'chaos'

Stephen Morgan lashed out at the Tory minister after he triggered the ‘education contingency framework’, forcing a staggered return for secondary schools and colleges and delaying classes returning.

The Portsmouth South MP accused Mr Williamson of inciting 'chaos’ with the announcement, which was made just days before pupils were meant to return to classes.

Reacting to the news last night, Mr Morgan said: ‘Coronavirus rates are rising, and parents, staff, pupils and our city’s schools are crying out for clarity about the start of term next week.

‘The government is failing to take the proactive, responsible action parents and pupils need on the return to school in January. Sadly they got little comfort or much-needed leadership from the education secretary.

‘I have always been clear that keeping young people learning safely should be a priority for ministers. But the government’s failures – with a lack of funding for school safety measures to the delayed and chaotic announcement of mass testing – are putting young people’s education in Portsmouth at risk.’

Mr Williamson today sought to clarify the situation, following criticism from education chiefs and unions.

He said the staggered response was needed to ensure a 'safe return’ for pupils.

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And he said he was ‘absolutely confident’ the extra week would give more time for secondary schools to prepare their mass coronavirus testing procedures.

Speaking on morning television, the former defence secretary said £78m of extra funding, equipment such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and support from the military would help get the programmes set up.

‘There’s absolutely no reason that schools won’t be ready,' he said.

Asked if a week was enough time to prepare for a functioning mass testing system, the Tory chief added: ‘We are absolutely confident that it is; we’ll be seeing all the testing equipment that is needed for schools being delivered on January 4, schools have already had notice of the guidance of what they need to do, they’ve also had notification of the extra £78m that we’re offering.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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