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Ex-Education Secretary Admits Mistakes in Covid School Closures

10/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Former UK Education Secretary Sir Gavin Williamson acknowledged "many mistakes" in planning for Covid school closures.
He expressed regret over the department's slow response to emerging scientific evidence.
He described former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's phased reopening as "damaging."
He said the government should have understood the pandemic's significance and planned earlier.
The rapid shift from keeping schools open to closures disoriented and misled parents.

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Story summary

Former UK Education Secretary Sir Gavin Williamson acknowledged "many mistakes" in planning for Covid school closures.
He expressed regret over the department's slow response to emerging scientific evidence.
He described former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's phased reopening as "damaging."
He said the government should have understood the pandemic's significance and planned earlier.
The rapid shift from keeping schools open to closures disoriented and misled parents.