Lib Dems Call For Teachers to Be Vaccinated As a Priority

Bromsgrove's Lib Dem group have launched a petition calling for teachers and education staff to vaccinated as a priority before face-to-face teaching returns later this year.

The Lib Dems are highlighting that online home schooling is currently taking its toll on children's health: both physical and mental. They are asking the Government to ensure that teachers are vaccinated as a priority before restrictions are lifted later in the year and schools return to face-to-face teaching.

Local Lib Dem campaigner Joanna McKenna, who works in the NHS as a consultant launched the petition saying: "Whichever way the Government wishes to proceed out of this lockdown they will need our children safely back at school. There are now 12 weeks between vaccination doses, so it is imperative that school staff are vaccinated as a priority if there is to be any hope of schools returning for the summer term. A similar petition has been debated before but we need to ensure that it happens. Lots of evidence is demonstrating the increase in mental health issues with children and adults confined to their homes. Let's start to think about how lockdown will be lifted. Let's do the right thing. Let's make our classrooms safe so for when our children return to school."

Fellow Lib Dem campaigner Sam Evans added: "It is imperative that schools are safe when they reopen, so let's get the Government and our MP Sajid Javid to ensure this. If you agree please do join us in signing our petition."

The petition to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, and local MP Sajid Javid can be signed here: https://bromsgrovelibdems.org.uk/en/petition/petition-vaccinate-teachers-as-a-priority-to-allow-children-safely-back-to-school