Boris Johnson wants the schools open, but his government can’t afford more backlash

The PM is acutely aware of what a test this is for the government, writes Chris Stevenson

A September restart for schools is planned (Getty/iStockphoto)

Boris Johnson has now made clear what ministers in his cabinet have been saying for the last week – that schools need to reopen fully next month.

On the face of it, this seems rational. You can argue that damage done to children’s educational needs or mental health from staying at home outweighs the potential risk to them from the virus. Many parents are also facing greatly increased childcare costs or are having to take extra time off work.

However, as with everything to do with coronavirus, there is no easy answer – and a government that has faced many questions, and much criticism, over their handling of how England comes out of lockdown cannot afford much more of a backlash.

The prime minister seems acutely aware of how much this is now a test for the government. Johnson has thrown the full weight of his government behind the proposals, so will be hoping that it can all be achieved without more problems.

The crunch will come if there are more local lockdowns – or indeed, in the worst-case scenario – another national one. It has been suggested that schools would be one of the last places to close back down in such an instance, with shops and pubs likely to be shut first. But with clear communication of the government’s coronavirus plans having been a headache for those in Downing Street, some of the public will be wary about what is to come when the school doors do eventually open..

The goodwill from the public over the imposition of the first lockdown has evaporated and ministers will have to be very careful about how the next steps are communicated and implemented.

Yours,

Chris Stevenson

Voices editor