MP urges Government to support schools that stay closed for safety reasons

In the House of Commons yesterday, South Lakes MP Tim Farron encouraged the Government to support schools that won't be opening in two weeks' time over safety concerns for both children and staff.

Speaking during Church Commissioners Questions, Tim said: "Here in Cumbria and the South Lakes, headteachers of Church schools-in fact, of all schools-do want to return on 1 June, but of course they see protecting the safety of their school community as their first and primary responsibility.

"Will the hon. Gentleman make strong representations to the Department for Education about supporting those schools that decide to stay closed for the time being for safety reasons, especially given new Government guidance against schools using flexible approaches for returning pupils?"

In response the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Andrew Selous MP, said: "I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, and I will make sure that his comments are fed in.

"I know that the ​Department for Education is taking these issues very seriously and will proceed cautiously, as we would all expect it to do."