Covid-19: Education Settings

Baroness Laing of Elderslie Excerpts

Tuesday 6th July 2021 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

I do not wish to contradict the hon. Gentleman, but schools have not been vectors of transmission; they have been reflective of the wider rates of covid in the community. That is why we continue to have measures in place, including the testing that will be in place for schools as they return after the summer period; and the continued twice-weekly testing that will run through September for children of secondary age, those tests to be taken at home.

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)]

We now go by video link, or rather audio link, to Mark Harper.

[Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con) [V]]

When schools return in September, every adult will have had the chance to be—[Inaudible.]

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

We will try to come back to the right hon. Member as soon as we can.

[Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

As the data show, in York infection rates are soaring, particularly in school-age children, people are poorly, and as a result we are seeing major disruption in young people’s education. So as we see infection rates soar across the country, it means that education will be further disrupted, and I hope that the Secretary of State recognises that. How would he ensure that effective testing is put in place, working with our public health teams on the ground locally, to mitigate against that spike in infections and ensure that young people and their families are supported when they have to isolate and miss school?

--- Later in debate ---

[Gavin Williamson]

The hon. Gentleman raises a valuable point, and it is why the extra support provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, through local authorities, to ensure children are fed through the summer is such an important part of our holiday activity and food programme, which will of course be delivering not just food for so many students but activities that are just as valuable.

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)]

In the hope that communications have improved in the Forest of Dean, we will try to go back to Mark Harper.

[Mr Harper]

I am grateful, Madam Deputy Speaker. When schools return in September, every adult will have had the chance to be vaccinated at least once, which provides the bulk of protection, so why is regular testing still going to continue, perhaps forever? Last week, the Secretary of State said he wanted to see it end. What has changed?