Coronavirus: Boris Johnson says it is 'vitally important' children return to class

It is "vitally important" children go back to school, with the life chances of a generation at stake, Boris Johnson has said in a message to parents.

As schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland prepare to reopen, the PM said the risk of contracting coronavirus in one was "very small".

He said "it is far more damaging for a child's development and their health... to be away from school any longer".

Mr Johnson's words echoed those of the UK's four chief medical officers.

They have all signed a joint statement alongside deputy chief medical officers to reassure parents schools could mitigate risks during the pandemic.

In Scotland, schools have already reopened. Some pupils in Northern Ireland are returning to school on Monday, while term starts in England and Wales in September.

Mr Johnson said in a statement released on Sunday evening that he thanked school staff for spending the summer "making cla