Starmer speaks of his brother’s experience as he makes case for changepublished at 07:10 GMT
Image source, PA Media
Keir Starmer has written an article in The Times, external, saying the planned SEND changes will “finally include kids that don’t fit the typical mould in our highest aspirations”.
The prime minister says “the situation left by the Tories on this is a stain on their education record”, and describes it as “a system that works for nobody”.
Good schools “need a healthier society”, Starmer says, saying today’s changes will align with other measures aimed at “tackling” child poverty, increasing mental health support, and “protecting our children” from online harm.
He also speaks about the experience of his brother, Nick, who had learning disabilities from complications during birth, and who died on Boxing Day 2024 aged 60.
“It was his early years that really put him on a different path to me,” he says. “I saw how much Nick had to fight every day just to be seen. To count. To be recognised by an education system that never had any expectations for him because he had difficulties learning.”
He says his brother was “abandoned by the traditional education system”, adding: “It’s why I am so determined to change Britain so that it is truly built for all. I want this country to see and value the contribution every single person can make.”
