UK lockdown: Confusion and anger as zoos to reopen but schools stay closed

Government ‘priorities’ questioned as theme parks, pubs and non-essential shops all prepare to open months before classrooms

Elephants at Whipsnade zoo, which had warned it could face closure if visitors were not allowed back soon (PA)

Government plans to allow zoos and shops to reopen while schools remain shut until the autumn have been met with criticism and confusion.

Boris Johnson is to announce zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas in England can join non-essential shops in throwing open their doors as part of the relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown on 15 June.

But education secretary Gavin Williamson has abandoned plans for all primary pupils in England to resume classes for a month before the summer break.

The news was met with anger from some parents and MPs, who urged for more to be done to get children back into classrooms.

Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh told The Independent: “I’ve got no problem with zoos opening and shops opening, and I want to get the economy going.

“But all that is happening while there appears to be no or little thought about what we are doing about schools.”

She warned school closures could “destroy the life chances” of some pupils who face six months away from classrooms.

Keir Starmer has urged the prime minister to set up a national task force to look at reopening schools “as soon as it’s possible and as soon as it’s safe”.

Dawn Butler, the former shadow women and equalities minister, questioned the government’s “priorities” as it eases the lockdown.

Theme parks and pub gardens are also set to reopen in July, two months before many children will go back to school.

Speaking on the BBC’s Politics Live, Ms Butler said: “We need to get the country moving again but it also needs to be in a practical way that people understand and makes sense and [ensures] the priorities are put in the right places.”

Church leaders also criticised the government, which has indicated places of worship could reopen for private individual prayer – but not services – from next week.

Gareth Russell, pastor of Westgate Chapel in Bury St Edmunds, said: “This is disheartening. Churches are closed for gatherings, my eight-year-old will not go to school until September at the earliest. But, don’t worry, we’ll be able to go to the zoo, get an air bridge holiday, and shop at Sports Direct at 9am on a Sunday.”

Downing Street said reopening zoos “will help provide families with more options to spend time outdoors, while supporting the industry caring for these incredible animals”.

A No 10 spokesperson added: “People are continuing to make huge sacrifices to reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid a second spike, but we know it is tough and where we can safely open up more attractions, and it is supported by the science, we will do so.”

Under the reopening plans, zoos will be ordered to keep indoor exhibitions such as reptile houses closed and must ensure food and drinks are sold for takeaway only.

It comes after zoo bosses criticised moves to allow car showrooms, furniture stores and National Trust gardens to reopen with social distancing measures while keeping animal attractions – which are largely outdoors – shut.

Leading attractions including London, Chester and Whipsnade zoos had warned the government they faced permanent closure if they were not allowed to reopen soon to visitors.