Nigel Farage SEND comments ‘completely irresponsible’ and ‘totally wrong’, says Phillipson

Nigel Farage’s comments about what he called “behavioural disabilities” will have “sent a shiver down the spines of so many parents”, the education secretary has said.

Bridget Phillipson rubbished the comments issued by the Reform UK leader as “completely irresponsible” and “totally wrong”.

Speaking in House of Commons, chair of the education select committee Helen Hayes said the crisis in the SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) system is the “source of distress for parents and children who have to fight far too hard for support, and for professionals working in local authorities and schools who face an extremely challenging funding situation.”

The Labour MP asked Phillipson to condemn the comments made by Farage and affirm that “solving the SEND crisis requires listening to parents and professionals, not denigrating them.”

The education secretary replied: “I couldn’t agree more… and I pay tribute to her and the committee for the important work that they are doing through their inquiry in this area, and we look forward to hearing more from them in due course.

“She is absolutely right that just days from the local elections, the comments of the member for Clacton [Farage] will have sent a shiver down the spines of so many parents right across our country – completely irresponsible, totally wrong.

“This government is focused on better outcomes for all of our children, including children with SEND.”

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