Far north MP Jamie Stone calls for teachers to be among first to get Covid vaccine
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TEACHERS should be among the frontline staff to get the coronavirus vaccine, according to far north MP, Jamie Stone.
He has urged the UK government to ensure everyone involved in the Covid pandemic fight has sufficient access to the vaccines which are being developed.
Last week, the Liberal Democrat MP asked for vaccines for elderly and vulnerable groups in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross to be brought to them, instead of forcing them to travel long distances and putting themselves at risk.
He has also been keeping up the pressure on the government to provide vaccinations for British military personnel overseas and at home who have been providing invaluable support in the country’s Covid response.
This week, Mr Stone turned his focus to teachers and asked the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, what the government’s plans are to ensure teachers are one of the first in line to receive the vaccine.
Speaking after Questions to the Secretary of State for Education at Westminster, Mr Stone said: "Everyone I know is delighted that our children have got back into nurseries and schools. It is seen as one desperately needed step back to normality.
"This said, however, there is not one of us that hasn't had the nagging fear that youngsters gathering together in this way could have the risk of once again spreading the infection. But true, too, is that no-one in the education system could possibly work without the teachers and their support staff making it happen. They are vital, and in fact very much in the Covid frontline.
"It was for this reason that I urged the Secretary of State to ensure that they are a priority for vaccinations and also that he work closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that the same priority applies to Scotland."
As previously reported, three vaccines, which are being developed, could start to be used before the end of the year, although it is expected to be next year before they are in general use.
