It has been announced that students may have to wear face masks in communal areas in schools in the UK.
The government has stated that schools have the ‘discretion to require face coverings in communal areas’ where students cannot social distance in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. This isn’t necessary in classrooms, as it may impact learning and teaching.
This is another U-turn in an ongoing series from the government. From going back on their plans to end the school meal scheme, to making face masks mandatory in shops after around five months of them not being required, the government has made it clear that it is not afraid to go back on their policy when faced with opposition. This suggests that while they present a ‘strong and stable’ front, the cabinet may contain clashing viewpoints on how to approach certain issues.
However, accountability and anxiety about their position in parliament may also lead to changes. The government presents itself as a huge majority, however in listening to opposition, it shows awareness of how easily that could change in an election, as well as how compared to previous years, it is relatively small. The pressure is on- the lack of public trust in the government rests on the pandemic response, as well as the legacy of the Conservative party in coming governments.
It will be interesting to see if this behaviour continues when the threat of Covid-19 is reduced: will they continue to listen to opposition and real expert advice in legislation and policies? Or will they continue the traditional pragmatic and conservative approach, by benefitting the richest in society at the expense of the poorest? Either way, they need to face the facts: so many U-turns suggest a clear lack of direction of where to go next.
Written by Anna Male
Artwork by Zara Masood
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