As the United Kingdom marks the somber 20th anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer finds himself grappling with a fresh political storm. This time, the controversy centers on proposed reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, a vital support framework for over 600,000 children and young people across England.
The Times and The Guardian both spotlight the brewing unrest among Labour MPs, who fear the government's overhaul could lead to a significant rollback of education, health and care plans (EHCPs). These plans, which legally guarantee bespoke support such as dedicated teaching assistants or transportation to school, have seen numbers rise sharply in recent years. Yet, ministers, including Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, have not dismissed the possibility of scaling back these provisions amid concerns over the system's sustainability.
Labour backbenchers, still reeling from a narrow escape over welfare reform votes earlier this week, are already drawing battle lines. One MP candidly told The Times, "If they thought taking money away from disabled adults was bad, watch what happens when they try the same with disabled kids." Another expressed deep unease, saying, "People are really, really worried about this. It is one of the things that is going to make people feel very, very uncomfortable." These sentiments reflect a growing chorus of concern that the SEND shake-up risks denying children vital support or even access to education.
Adding weight to the opposition, a letter published in The Guardian and signed by dozens of special needs and disability campaigners—including broadcaster Chris Packham and actor Sally Phillips—warns that the government’s reforms could lead to the removal of EHCPs from mainstream schools. They argue this would invariably push children towards already overcrowded special schools or, worse, force some out of the education system altogether. The letter states, "Without statutory support, underpinned by necessary extra resources for schools, it’s extremely unlikely that ministers will achieve their aim of more children with SEND thriving, or even surviving, in mainstream education." Local authorities, they claim, are eager to reduce or eliminate EHCPs to relieve themselves of costly responsibilities.
Tom Rees, chairman of the Department for Education’s expert advisory group on inclusion and chief executive of Ormiston Academies Trust, acknowledges the challenges ahead. He emphasizes the need to focus on children’s needs rather than labels and has spearheaded the "Inclusion In Practice" initiative to share scalable solutions for mainstream inclusion. Yet, he cautions that making mainstream schools more inclusive will require "a lot of work." DfE data reveals that EHCPs increased by 10.8% over the past year, reaching 638,745 in January 2025, underscoring the growing demand for support.
Education Secretary Phillipson defended the reforms, stating, "Our ambitious reforms will make sure children with SEND have better outcomes through our Plan for Change – with better support in mainstream schools and special school places always there for those who need them." She highlighted pockets of outstanding practice as evidence that the government's vision is achievable. Meanwhile, a Department of Education spokesperson described the inherited SEND system as "left on its knees," insisting that the government is working closely with parents and experts to improve support and prevent families from having to fight for help. The spokesperson also refuted claims that funding or support would be cut, noting a £740 million investment to encourage councils to create more specialist places within mainstream schools.
The political tension surrounding SEND reforms unfolds against a backdrop of other pressing issues. The Daily Telegraph reports that Labour is "willing to explore" a wealth tax, with former leader Lord Kinnock suggesting a 2% levy on assets over £10 million could raise £10 billion annually. However, Downing Street has declined to endorse this plan, wary of potential economic fallout and the risk of wealthy individuals leaving the UK. The debate is expected to intensify ahead of the October budget.
Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Steve Reed warns that Britain was less than a decade away from facing severe water shortages that could have led to daytime water rationing if not for recent government investments in new reservoirs. The i Paper reports that without such intervention, turning off taps might have become a reality by the mid-2030s.
Law enforcement is also in the spotlight. The Daily Mail highlights calls from top police chiefs to crack down on cannabis, with Sir Andy Marsh, head of the College of Policing, stating that the smell of cannabis is a "sign of crime and disorder." Despite over 68,000 people being found in possession of cannabis in the past year, only 17,000 faced charges, indicating a gap between detection and enforcement.
In a policing shake-up, the Metropolitan Police chief has proposed consolidating 43 county forces into 12 to 15 mega-forces, aiming to improve efficiency and coordination amid evolving security challenges.
On the international stage, Prime Minister Starmer prepares to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron for the first state visit by a French leader since 2008. The visit promises enhanced cooperation on defense, migration, and nuclear collaboration, with Macron and his wife set to stay at Windsor Castle. Yet, subtle tensions persist, particularly over differing approaches to handling former U.S. President Donald Trump and stalled talks on irregular migration agreements.
Further afield, the tragic flooding in Central Texas has claimed at least 82 lives, including 10 children from a summer camp, with dozens still missing. President Trump has declared a major disaster and may visit the affected areas later this week. In the Middle East, hopes for a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are cautiously advancing, with U.S. mediation aiming for a partial hostage release in exchange for increased humanitarian aid. However, tensions remain high as Israeli strikes continue, killing 38 Palestinians in Gaza.
Back in the UK, the Tony Blair Institute has come under scrutiny for its involvement in discussions about reimagining Gaza as a trade hub, a controversial proposal that includes potential mass displacement of Palestinians. The institute insists it was only in "listening mode" during these talks.
As the government wrestles with these domestic and international challenges, public confidence shows signs of cautious optimism. A KPMG Consumer Pulse survey indicates that 58% of people feel financially secure, a three-point increase from the previous quarter, and confidence in the economy has risen by seven points to 17%.
Yet, political tensions remain palpable. Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch recently labeled Starmer a "liar" and Nigel Farage a "bullsh*tter," reflecting the charged atmosphere in Westminster. Meanwhile, the Intelligence and Security Committee is set to release a report highlighting ongoing threats from Iran, including assassination attempts on British soil.
Within Parliament, debates continue on crucial legislation such as the Pension Schemes Bill, and Labour MP Margaret Mullane will raise SEND provision issues in Barking and Dagenham. Charitable organizations like Caudwell Youth are advocating for increased investment in young people, underscoring the ongoing societal focus on support and inclusion.
As the summer recess approaches, Sir Keir Starmer faces a critical test of leadership. The SEND reforms, with their profound implications for vulnerable children and families, have ignited a political firestorm reminiscent of recent welfare battles. With a white paper expected in October, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether the government can navigate this complex terrain without fracturing its fragile parliamentary majority.
