Wednesday 18th March 2020

(4 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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It will probably not surprise the hon. Gentleman that we will continue to fully fund schools, and that those people who are working in schools will continue to get paid.

Desmond Swayne Portrait Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)
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How will large numbers of young people released from school be persuaded to stay at home and avoid social contact?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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My right hon. Friend poses a challenge, and as the father of two teenage daughters I am acutely aware of youngsters’ desire to socialise, but what we are facing in this country is not normal. It is not something any of us have seen in our childhood, and it is not a situation any of us would like to see or be in, and we need to accept that everyone has to exhibit a different set of behaviours to be able to stem this virus. That comes with challenges, but we are only taking the steps we are taking because we believe they will go towards ensuring that this virus does not spread as widely as it could.