Apology needed for Covid errors, ex-children's commissioner says

The former children’s commissioner for England, Baroness Anne Longfield, is urging the Prime Minister to issue a formal apology to children once the Covid inquiry concludes. She highlighted the “avoidable mistakes” made by the government during the pandemic, emphasizing that adults were prioritized over children, with schools opening after pubs, shops, and theme parks. Baroness Longfield described the lead-up to school closures as chaotic, emphasizing a lack of clarity in planning responsibilities for children.

As the inquiry delves into the impact of the pandemic on children and young people, it aims to assess the consideration given to them in key government decisions. Schools experienced closures in March 2020 and January 2021, with Baroness Longfield pointing out that better planning could have prevented the 2021 closure. She emphasized that mistakes were made, and decisions were not always in children’s best interests, underscoring the need for a formal apology from the government once the inquiry concludes.

In her testimony to the inquiry, Baroness Longfield highlighted the challenges surrounding school reopenings during Covid, noting a communication breakdown between the Department for Education (DfE) and Public Health England (PHE). She mentioned playing a mediator role to align their efforts, indicating systemic errors and oversights that affected children. The inquiry will also explore the differences in opinion between former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and the Prime Minister regarding school closures in January 2021.

Additionally, a mental health expert, Tamsin Newlove-Delgado, shared insights during the inquiry, revealing a “systemic shock” to children’s mental well-being during the pandemic. Research indicated a notable increase in children and young people with mental health conditions, with a rise in eating disorders possibly linked to attempts to exert control or increased online activity. The inquiry’s focus on children and young people’s experiences is expected to span four weeks, shedding light on the pandemic’s lasting impact on this demographic

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More