Former UK Children's Commissioner Urges Government Covid Apology for Pandemic Impact on Youth

Baroness Anne Longfield, former Children's Commissioner for England, has urged the government to issue a formal apology to children for avoidable mistakes made during the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused significant harm to children's wellbeing, education, and safety. She criticized the handling of school closures and reopenings as chaotic and highlighted that adults and businesses were prioritized over children, with schools often left behind in decision-making processes. Longfield described a lack of clear responsibility and communication between the Department for Education and Public Health England, which contributed to delays and confusion about school reopening. The prolonged lockdowns and school closures have led to ongoing mental health and behavioural issues among children and young people. She emphasized that the apology should come from the Prime Minister in parliament once the Covid Inquiry publishes its final report and that lessons must be learned to prioritize children's interests in future crises. The inquiry is actively investigating the impact of the pandemic on children and will hear further evidence from government officials involved during that period.