Starmer braced for fresh rebellion over reforms to special needs support
Starmer faces new Labour backlash over special needs
- Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly facing a new rebellion from Labour backbenchers over proposed reforms to support for children with special educational needs in England.
- Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson refused to rule out scrapping Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which are statutory documents guaranteeing specialist help for children with disabilities.
- Labour MPs are concerned the reforms could lead to cuts in support for disabled children, fearing a repeat of previous welfare controversies and warning of significant pushback.
- Campaigners, including charities and parents, have warned that removing EHCPs would deny thousands of children vital provision and undermine their statutory rights to education.
- The Department for Education stated it inherited a struggling SEND system and aims to improve support for children and parents, not to abolish tribunals or remove funding, noting a recent increase in EHCPs.