PM urged to address 'digital divide' as millions return to remote learning
School closures will lead to "more inequality" and damage to children's education unless families are provided with the right kit for home learning, an MP has warned.
Shadow City Minister Pat McFadden said the last lockdown had exposed the "digital divide" across the UK, with Ofcom estimating that around one in 10 youngsters have no access to a laptop or tablet.
He has signed a letter from Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh backing demands for laptops and tablets to be given to hundreds of thousands of children who face their schools closing in the face of a surge in Covid cases.
As part of the latest national lockdown measures Boris Johnson announced that schools would close for all but the most vulnerable pupils until at least the February half-term, meaning pupils will be reliant on remote learning to continue their education.
Wolverhampton South East MP Mr McFadden, said: "It is really important the Government gets the right support to families, because online learning is not something that is spread equally.
"It is really tough for some families, so the Government has got to make sure that schools and households have got the IT equipment and support necessary to help children learn online.
"Otherwise, alongside the public health crisis, we are going to have a huge educational crisis in times to come."
He added that without the right support, school closures would mean "more inequality and damage to education".
The letter has also been backed by former Prime Minister Tony Blair and ex-Cabinet ministers including Lord Blunkett, Alan Johnson and Baroness Morris.
Ms McDonagh said: "Children on the wrong side of the digital divide have neither the data nor the devices to log in from home when their schools close.
"In a country with free state education, no child's education should be dependent on their internet connection."
Since October schools have been required by law to provide remote education.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson is due to make a statement on schools closures in the Commons tomorrow.
