‘I have an alternative view and I’m not afraid to say it’: Howard Donald quits Twitter after facing backlash for slamming the government’s decision to close schools amid new lockdown

• The Take That star, 52, revealed he’s taking a break from Twitter on Tuesday as he was met with criticism for his anti-lockdown comments
• Singer Howard highlighted the psychological damage of temporarily taking children out of education in order to help control the spread of the virus
• On Monday evening, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced England’s full national lockdown, expected to last until the February half term
• Primary, secondary schools and universities must stayed closed, classes remain only for vulnerable pupils and key workers’ children, and nurseries are fully open

Howard Donald quit Twitter on Tuesday as he faced backlash from fans for slamming the government’s decision to close schools amid the nation’s new lockdown.

The Take That star, 52, revealed he’s leaving the social media platform ‘for a while’ as he received criticism for highlighting the psychological damage of temporarily taking children out of education in order to help control the spread of the virus.

Singer Howard wrote: ‘I’m coming off Twitter for a while. Some People don’t like opinions and only believe what they hear therefore I’m losing followers which is fine. Yes covid is real but At least i have an alternative view and ain’t afraid to say.’ (sic)

Social media break: Howard Donald quit Twitter on Tuesday as he faced backlash from fans for slamming the government’s decision to close schools (pictured in 2019)

The media personality added: ‘Whereas other people are afraid to lose followers.’ (sic)

His original tweet, which divided social media users, read: ‘How psychologically damaging it is to put kids in school for one day and then say there’s a lockdown till mid feb! It’s almost as if it’s planned! 

‘Poor children and parents who will now have to take the brunt of home schooling. #lostgeneration’. (sic)

A fan pointed out that the songwriter would still be up for holding concerts once the crisis dies down as they responded: ‘But you’ll still plan another tour and charge everyone £80 per ticket so you carry on unaffected….? For the first time in 25 years I won’t be there.’ (sic)

Fierce comments: The Take That star, 52, received criticism for highlighting the psychological damage of taking children out of education in order to help control the spread of the virus

‘I have an alternative view and I’m not afraid to say it’: The musician shared his thoughts in a string of candid messages

Insisting he won’t be returning to the stage if there’s social distancing protocol in place, Howard replied: ‘Don’t know why u said that but That’s fine sarah…

‘but I don’t see TT happening for a long time anyway as I’m not one for doing a stupid social distancing concert. Im sorry but amount of production and work we put in we are worth £80.’ (sic)

Others disagreed: ‘I bet you wouldn’t be saying this if you was a Dr or Nurse on the front line! I love take that but your views suck in my opinion! Goodnight.

‘Don’t agree…. never said lost generation when the children survived wars!!! With no schooling. 

‘Don’t agree!’ A fan pointed out that the songwriter would still be up for holding concerts once the crisis dies down, while others lashed out at his opinion

‘If you’re only looking for people to agree with you then you’ve picked the wrong platform. I’m not sure what you’re trying to get out of this, especially if you’re unwilling to hear other POV’s or be constructive in your criticism, but all the best to you. 

‘I’ve been a fan of yours for so long and you’re entitled to your opinion but I’m also a nurse who works on the front line and your tweets have upset me. 

‘You won’t care as I’m just a single person but I see every day what happens, both physically and mentally and it’s draining

‘To see you say that you wouldn’t do a ⫩ gig because you don’t agree with socially distanced gigs, fair enough, but take a minute to think of all those suffering with their mental health who would appreciate that beyond belief. You could put your privileged to so much good.’ (sic)

‘Stay and use your platform!’ A few of his followers supported his decision, while others claimed he could use his platform to ‘speak out’ on important issues

A few of his followers supported his decision, while others claimed he could use his platform to ‘speak out’ on important issues. 

They said: ‘It’s a shame you feel the need to come off Twitter Howard just because you have a difference of opinion! 

‘Personally I think it’s great you are not afraid to use YOUR platform to share YOUR view! Share some funnies instead then, your presence & humour on here is refreshing X. 

‘Couldn’t agree more. People won’t always agree. I do think because Howard is so loved, thinking before he posts is important. I might not agree with him but love him just the same and would never attack him online. His humor is definitely refreshing.

‘Stay and use your platform to keep speaking out. You have seen how appreciated your support is. Haters come with the territory but now, more than ever, voices like ours are needed. Thousands of us are right with you!’ (sic) 

On Monday evening, Boris Johnson announced England’s full national lockdown, expected to last until the February half term.

According to the new rules, all primary, secondary schools and universities must stayed closed, classes remain only for vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers, and nurseries are fully open. 

Successful career: Howard pictured with bandmembers (L-R) Mark Owen, Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams and Jason Orange in 2011

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