The leader of Harrow Council has called on the Government to introduce “proper” testing and vaccination in schools following the decision to close them as part of a national lockdown.

Cllr Graham Henson said it is clear Covid-19 can spread throughout classrooms and there needs to be a targeted effort to prevent this in the future.

It comes after the Government was forced to U-turn on the reopening of schools in Harrow following intervention from Cllr Henson and leaders of other London councils.

Subsequently, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed in a public address last night (January 4) that all schools in England would be closed for the foreseeable future.

And Cllr Henson said it is vital thorough measures are put in place to ensure the quick and, more importantly, safe reopening of schools in the borough.

He said: “What is important now is that this time is used to set up the testing systems that have been needed, and promised to schools, since September last year.

“The Government has known schools spread Covid since they opened with the only way to control it is through blanket testing.

“We urge Government to stop wasting time and ensure they make effective use the next two weeks and implement proper testing and vaccination in schools.”

He added he was pleased to see Education Secretary Gavin Williamson listen to the data and advice presented by concerned London councils, describing it as an example of boroughs working together to achieve positive outcomes for residents.