Political opinion: MP Alison Bennett speaks out against blame culture facing parents of children with special educational needs

Alison’s words came during a debate in Parliament on 15th September in which MPs from all political persuasions spoke up for families and children with SEND, and against the current system that they say is failing. A demonstration by parents and children took place outside Parliament on the morning of the debate.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for greater urgency from the government in addressing a special educational needs system that is failing children. They say this crisis was created by the Conservatives, and is only being compounded by the failure of the now Labour government to act decisively.

Alison said, "Parents in Mid Sussex do everything for their children, especially when they have special needs. That is why I am fed up with the demonisation of parents. They are blamed for gaming the system, for having failed as parents, for being too soft, for not putting in boundaries, for bothering overstretched teachers; they are blamed for going private, but also for costing the state too much money." She added that “families are being forced to fight for support, while councils are left juggling impossible choices.

Alison says she is committed to pushing for meaningful reform that supports families and ensures every child receives the education and care they deserve.

Alison called for the government to "listen to the voices of parents. They know their children, they know what they need, and they know that the current system is failing not only their children but society at large."