GAVIN Williamson says the Government hopes to give parents and teachers two weeks’ notice before schools across England can reopen, at the "the earliest possible opportunity".

The Education Secretary and University of Bradford alumnus did not give a date when schools across England could reopen to all pupils again, adding the Government will listen to the health and scientific advice on when the best time to do this will be.

Mr Williamson also refused to say whether or not he had offered his resignation to Prime Minister Boris Johnson when asked by Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan ‘what would it take for you to resign?’ Mr Williamson said one of the "key criteria" for reopening schools would be whether the pressure on the NHS was lifting.

He brushed off calls by the opposition to resign following a series of policy U-turns.

He said: “It was a decision taken in the national interest to close schools.

“We are dealing with a global pandemic.

"Schools were the last to close and schools will very much be the first to reopen."

“Our focus, as always, is bringing children back into the classroom at the earliest possible moment when we are advised it is safe to do so.

“We want to give people two weeks’ notice if we can.

“We will be getting the best scientific and health advice.

“My focus is to deliver the very best for every child in this country.”