2025: Week 49 - Tragedy and SEND issues

It was with sadness and horror that I watched the tragic violent events in the US and Australia unfold. First, a shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island, America, where 2 students lost their lives and another 9 were injured. The latest update is that a suspect has been identified and has been found deceased. 

Second, at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, 2 gunmen targeted a Hannukah celebration, killing 15 people and injuring at least 24 more. The two gunmen were identified as a father and son, the father was shot and killed by law enforcement officers at the scene, whilst his son suffered critical injuries and is in hospital.

Whenever incidents such as this happen it can be easy to lose faith in people, but each time we can find heroes amongst ordinary people; the police officers who bravely put their lives at risk in order to apprehend the suspect(s); the healthcare professionals who work so hard to save lives and limit the effects of injuries; the public who carry out astonishing acts of bravery to protect others, and many more small acts of compassion that often go unnoticed. 

We must also reaffirm our commitment to diversity and inclusion at times like these.  As humans, we are never going to agree on everything; hold the same values as others; or have the same beliefs. It is true that we often seek out those who are similar to ourselves in thoughts and deeds, but that doesn’t mean that others are wrong, or that they deserve to be treated badly. 

My heart goes out to all involved in these incidents, the victims, their families and friends, the professionals at every turn. Know that as a nation we are thinking of you all at this devastating time.

Last week the government promised to create 50,000 more places for children with special educational needs (SEND) in mainstream schools in England. It plans to invest £3bn over the next three years, partly funded by cancelling the building of some planned free schools. Councils - who will receive the funding - have argued the money needs to be diverted to the right areas and to the people who know what is needed in their local communities.

Lib dems welcome any ambition to ensure children with SEND get the support they desperately need. This announcement must be matched by ambitious reforms to diagnosis and support. Children with SEND must be identified earlier and given the help they need throughout their school journey. We need a thought out plan to recruit and train enough teachers and specialists to staff this expansion in schools. The Government must stand up to the private equity firms that are draining council coffers, by introducing a cap on the profits they suck from the system, and reinvesting into the support that children need.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a happy and restful Christmas, I hope that this festive period brings joy and cheer to all.