A big day for some people, and definitely an interesting one, to look forward to, and we’ll be covering that in half an hour, but in the meantime, the debate over the General Election Review rumbles on, and we have some history, and some local politics to offer you during the day, with some thoughts on inter-generational fairness in the evening. So, on with the medley!
2 big stories (apart from that one!)
So much for schools reopening on 1 June. It’s already clear that parents aren’t keen, and that the teaching unions are wary, but when Conservative councils (Essex and Solihull) are willing to oppose the Government, you know that a retreat is imminent. Though, as Jeanette Sunderland notes…
One thing that seems to be missing from the debate is the obvious point that schools are open and have been all along. I have not heard a single word of protest about what seems to have been accepted as a good thing for the children of Keyworkers and vulnerable children to be allowed to attend schools.
Government without a clue? It begins to look more and more like it every day. And, of course, Eton is closed until September…
Global carbon emissions are down 17% compared to this time last year and whilst that can’t last, there are plenty of people who like to see it to. Has COVID-19 offered us an insight into the sorts of changes need to save our planet from inevitable terminal degradation? All I know is that my neighbours are struggling to keep muntjac deer out of their garden.
2 social media posts
If you ever wanted to know what the effect of Conservative immigration policy is, here’s something that lays it out as clear as day. The replies are pretty depressing too…
I'm returning to Australia in three years time because I can no longer afford my visa. Since 2013, it has gone from £500 to £4,158. Indefinite Leave to Remain is £2,389. Citizenship is an extra £1,330. Money is what determines who gets to come to the UK, not skill. https://t.co/ufT71ywgZ5
— Sian Cain (@siancain) May 19, 2020
And meanwhile, Michael Gove is demonstrating exactly why we’re heading for a hard Brexit. Michael Dougan explains that, if Brexiteers are unhappy about the likely outcome, they should just suck it up…
Let me tell you how sovereignty works, Gove: take what's on offer, or bargain better, or lump it. But stop crying like a brat about how the world won't just give you what you want. Take back control in haste, now learn your place & repent at leisure…
— Michael Dougan (@mdouganlpool) May 19, 2020
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One Comment
And, of course, Eton is closed until September…
Once again people read no further than the headline.
Just a passing appreciation that Eton is a boarding school with day pupils tells you that its considerations differ from the typical state school.
Additionally, a casual browse through Eton’s website (specifically: https://www.etoncollege.com/Covid-19EmergencyFund ) will show that Eton has made their accommodation available to key workers, which would also complicate matters.
Not having friends with children currently at Eton, I don’t know what they are doing but expect they have fully embraced distant learning. So for them, the big challenge is the new September intake. Better to keep things simple now and expand your efforts on working out how you are going to onboard the new intake.
So Eton’s decision is largely an irrelevance.
Personally, I see some limited ‘reopening’ necessary, the challenge is doing it in a safe way; where safe doesn’t mean without risk.