Link to this page: https://secure.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1102/31371
From The Socialist newspaper, 23 September 2020
Johnson's schools social-distancing lie
In a big PR exercise designed to reassure us that it was safe for schools to reopen, Boris Johnson visited Castle Rock High School in Coalville, Leicestershire. The county's schools began their autumn term before most of the rest of the country.
There was a handful of pupils in shot, safely social-distancing. However, when Johnson was leaving, the camera operative panned to the other side of the classroom. Pupils were crammed in, sitting close to each other.
Such deliberate deceit and recklessness. We cannot trust Johnson and the Tories to fight this virus. We need unions that will defend health and safety.
Heather Rawling, Leicester Socialist Party
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The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 23 September 2020:
Coronavirus news
North East lockdown: simmering anger at Tory incompetence
Testing shambles: unions must fight back
Johnson's schools social-distancing lie
Schools
Dispatches from the front - chaotic schools are not safe!
Workplace news
A day in the life of a salon worker
News
'FinCEN Files' expose rampant financial corruption: nationalise the banks!
Extend eviction ban! Cap rents! Build council homes!
Universities
Why I joined
Why we joined the Socialist Party
Campaigns
Coventry: Socialist Students is back
Liverpool Council must save care homes
Sussex: Hands off Peacehaven schools
Fighting fund: One week to raise £3,444
The Socialist: More than a newspaper
International news
Thailand: Youth rising against hated junta
Readers' opinion
TV: The English Game - how the working class made football the people's game
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