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In his testimony to the Covid inquiry, former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson made damning allegations, claiming that the government prioritized the National Health Service (NHS) over children, resulting in the unnecessary closure of schools in January 2021. Williamson accused ministers of neglecting the needs of children and criticized their lack of seriousness in handling the situation. He pointed out that the decision to close schools was akin to “smashing a Ming vase on the floor to get people’s attention”, highlighting the government’s misguided priorities during that time.
Williamson revealed that he believed he had successfully advocated for children to return to school in January 2021, only to have events overtake his efforts. He cited a profanity-laden text message he sent to then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, expressing frustration over the abrupt closure of schools one day after they had reopened. The former education secretary also accused Johnson of providing parents with false hope by announcing a phased return to school in May 2020, which Williamson believed was destined to fail due to prevailing social distancing rules.
Acknowledging the shortcomings in the government’s response, Williamson expressed regret over the lack of planning surrounding the closure of schools at the onset of the pandemic. He admitted to overlooking scientific evidence suggesting that school closures could help mitigate the spread of the virus, apologizing for his failure to act upon the information sooner. Despite his regrets, Williamson emphasized that the government made decisions based on what was deemed best at the time, albeit acknowledging the need for a more strategic approach in handling the crisis.
As the inquiry delved into the complexities of the government’s handling of the pandemic, various head teachers provided insight into their preparations for school closures ahead of official announcements. Their testimonies shed light on the challenges faced at the grassroots level, underscoring the importance of proper planning and coordination in crisis management. Amidst criticisms and accusations of dereliction of duty, Williamson accepted responsibility for the decisions made during his tenure as education secretary, acknowledging the profound challenges posed by the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the pandemic
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