UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK PM Keir Starmer faces backlash as Labour MPs warn against scrapping EHCPs, fearing SEN reforms could undermine legal protections for disabled children.
As reported by The Independent, Keir Starmer risks fresh Labour rebellion over proposed special needs reforms, days after retreating on welfare cuts.
Bridget Phillipson’s views on EHCP reforms
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to overhauling the £12bn special needs system supporting children with disabilities.
However, she declined to rule out axing key documents that families depend on for securing specialist support.
In response to a question about whether EHCPs could be scrapped, Ms Phillipson described the matter as “complex and sensitive.”
She added,
“What I can say very clearly is that we will strengthen and put in place better support for children. I’ve been spending a lot of time listening to parents, to disability rights groups, to campaigners and to others and to colleagues across Parliament as well, because it’s important to get this right.”
What did Labour MPs say about Keir Starmer’s SEN reforms?
One Labour MP said many backbenchers have close ties with Send campaigners, warning,
“If they’re now being told by them this is a betrayal etc – combined with last week – they’ll be pushing back against any cuts.”
He added,
“People are angry with us. New MPs will be feeling that.”
Labour MPs said the proposals risk becoming “welfare mark two”, suggesting the plans resemble past welfare cuts and could trigger a major backbench revolt.
One backbencher called on the government to
“think again now or they’ll be repeating the same mistake they made with welfare reform.”
They added,
“We’re all in favour of reforming the system but that cannot be driven by saving money and taking support away from children.”
Another Labour MP said,
“If they thought taking money away from disabled adults was bad, watch what happens when they try the same with disabled kids.”
What did campaigners warn in a letter about EHCPs?
In a letter, campaigners said removing EHCPs would risk denying vital provision or education to thousands of children.
They said,
“For more than 40 years, children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities have had a statutory right to an education that meets their needs.”
The letter added,
“Set alongside catastrophic plans to cut benefits for disabled people, this raises the question of who we are as a country and the kind of society in which we want to live. Whatever the Send system’s problems, the answer is not to remove the rights of children and young people. Families cannot afford to lose these precious legal protections.”
The letter was signed by charity leaders, academics, SEND parents including actor Sally Phillips, and campaigners such as broadcaster Chris Packham.
How many EHCPs were issued last year?
The Department for Education revealed in June that EHCP numbers have increased across England.
As of January 2025, a total of 638,745 EHCPs were in place, marking a 10.8% rise compared to the same time last year, official data shows.
In 2024, 97,747 new EHCPs were released, an increase of 15.8% compared to the previous year.
The number of children referred for EHCP reviews rose by 11.8% in 2024. It reached 154,489 by the end of the year.
What did the DfE say about SEND system reforms?
A Department for Education spokesperson said,
“The evidence is clear that this government inherited a Send system left on its knees – which is why we are looking at changes to improve support for children and stop parents having to fight for help. We have been clear that there are no plans to abolish Send tribunals, or to remove funding or support from children, families and schools.”
They added,
“As part of our plan for change, we will restore the confidence of families up and down the country and deliver the improvement they are crying out for so every child can achieve and thrive. This government is actively working with parents and experts on the solutions, including more early intervention to prevent needs from escalating and £740 million to encourage councils to create more specialist places in mainstream schools.”
Key facts about EHCPs
- Covers ages 0–25: An EHCP gives legal support for education, health, and care needs up to age 25.
- Anyone can request it: Parents, teachers, doctors, or the young person (if 16+) can apply – no diagnosis needed.
- Includes guaranteed help: If approved, it ensures services like speech therapy or one-on-one sessions.
- Reviewed every year: EHCPs are checked yearly and updated during big school changes.