SDLP Education Spokesperson, Daniel McCrossan MLA has said that the decision made by the Executive to phase school reopening was led by medical and scientific evidence, and any change to that strategy must be similarly led.

Mr McCrossan has said the First Minister should resist adding more uncertainty for people here by dancing to the tune of Boris Johnson.

The West Tyrone MLA commented:

“Last week, the Executive came to a decision about school reopening on a phased basis, which was judged to have the least impact of the R rate. This was welcome news for pupils and their parents and also allowed school leaders to plan.”

“I was disappointed last night to see a rush to change this strategy by some in the DUP, who seem more concerned with blindly following Boris Johnson’s Tory Government than assessing our own situation here.”

“The SDLP is clear that the best place for the education and development of our children is in school and schools should be reopened as soon as is safe. However, we cannot risk the progress we have made against covid-19 by rushing to act. Our approach to any easement in restrictions and return to normality will always be led by the medical and scientific evidence.”

“If the First Minister and DUP Leader, Arlene Foster has seen any different evidence then she should bring it to the Executive table, for a science led conversation on our own local approach. If, as I suspect, she is just dancing to the tune of Boris Johnson, she should resist adding further stress and confusion.”