The Prime Minister is facing another backbench rebellion as the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has failed to confirm if special needs children will have the legal right to have support in schools.
Phillipson claims that the government is committed to making welfare reforms to help children who have learning difficulties.
The Education Secretary refused to confirm that parents will have the right to ensure children will have access to bespoke support for their needs.
Sky News asked the Education Minister Stephen Morgan if Labour are planning to scrap education, health and care plans (or EHCPs).
Morgan told Sky News, “We inherited a SEND system which was broken.
“I want to make sure that children get the right support where they need it across the country. And that’s why we’ve invested £1bn in SEND, and additional money for capital in school buildings. I think that’s making a real difference.
“But we are publishing a white paper in the autumn, and it’s really important that we make sure that every child, whatever their background, they can achieve and thrive. And we’re working really hard to get those reforms right.
Morgan was asked if the benefit will be scrapped, he said, “I’m not going to get into specifics today, but it’s absolutely right that we work really hard to reform the system to make sure it works for every child.
Many Labour MPs are taking aim at the Cabinet and one minister said this is “welfare mark two.”
A senior Labour MP told The Times, “The Government has got to think again now or they’ll be repeating the same mistake they made with welfare reform.
We’re all in favour of reforming the system but that cannot be driven by saving money and taking support away from children.
Another MP said, “If they thought taking money away from disabled adults was bad, watch what happens when they try the same with disabled kids.”
