Political support

 From Douglas Lumsden MSP, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative:

“As a party, we have been calling for the SNP to scrap face masks in school. There are glaring inconsistencies over the SNP’s COVID rules, with face masks remaining in schools while being deemed unnecessary for nightclubs and other premises.

I am especially concerned about the impact this will be having on children who have hearing difficulties. I know children who are deaf and the huge additional difficulties this has had on their ability to participate fully in classrooms.

At present, pupils with hearing difficulties, of which there are as many as 3850 in schools across Scotland, face significant challenges regarding communication and participation within schools. Although deafness is not a learning disability, a significant attainment gap continues to exist for deaf learners. This cannot be right.

I submitted the linked question below to the Scottish Government on this very topic but I was disappointed by the response received. (S6W-01824)

You have my wholehearted support and thank you for the work you are doing to raise awareness on this issue.”

From Linda Holt, All For Unity Fife Councillor:

"Masking school pupils is no more than a superstition designed to make adults feel safer. Scientific evidence that ordinary masks work is weak, while it is obvious they inhibit communication and learning. Pupils in England don't have to wear masks and it is unconscionable that Scottish pupils still have to mask up when now more than ever we should be doing everything we can to enhance their learning."

From Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire and Scottish Conservative Shadow Secretary for Education:

"I share your hopes that the SNP will take another look at this and will accept that face masks are not necessary in schools."