This is specifically on powers to close schools:
In the event of a future pandemic, the broad nature of the powers will provide Ministers with the flexibility to take the action needed to address the specific circumstances of the health emergency.
This is... frankly terrifying. Broad nature of powers? With what responsibility, exactly?
It goes on to say that the safeguard is the advice of the CMO. While I absolutely respect the advice of the CMO in matters relating to Chief Medical issues, what remit does the Chief Medical Officer have over education, child development, mental health issues, poverty, isolation, chaotic home lives, abusive parents? Is the CMO advising on ‘The Virus’ or on the effects of locking a child with ADHD up in a flat all day and seeing how long it takes the family to crack? Is the CMO advising on ‘The Virus’ or on how single parents are supposed to juggle homeschooling two illiterate children whilst working full time so they can afford to eat this month?
And if not the CMO - who is advising on that?
WHO has the power to tell them to fucking wait a second and actually prove that this is actually necessary?
Do they even know if the last ones were justified yet?
What have they done to assess the impact on children’s health, wellbeing, development, education? Do they know how long it’s going to take for children to recover? How much money it’s going to cost? Have the government put the resources in place?
It cannot be the case that these powers to close schools can be made permanent - especially when they don't appear to fully understand the long term consequences of this and they will not be fully understood for years, perhaps even generations, to come. Regardless of how many caveats or ‘only when X’ are slotted into the legislation. Regardless of whatever virus is endemic.
Somebody needs to hold them to some fucking account I swear.