Private schools’ land targeted for families without gardens

Key adviser calls for government to requisition playing fields for daily exercise during lockdown

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Pressure is mounting on private schools to open their land to the public and ease overcrowding in city parks, with a key government adviser urging ministers to requisition them to help avoid potential social unrest during the lockdown.

Prof Susan Michie, of the government's scientific advisory group on coronavirus, said that private green spaces should be officially commandeered by the state to ensure everyone can exercise safely while maintaining social distancing.