Five former education secretaries urge Labour MPs to back government’s Send reforms in open letter
The Guardian World
by Peter Walker and Kiran StaceyFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Five former UK education secretaries have issued an open letter urging Labour MPs to support the government's overhaul of special education provision in English schools, calling it a "once-in-a-generation chance" to address systemic issues. Signed by David Blunkett, Estelle Morris, Charles Clarke, Ruth Kelly, and Alan Johnson—collectively holding the role for over a decade—the letter highlights the significance of the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) reforms, which aim to transform support for students with special needs.
The appeal comes amid ongoing debates over the government's plans to restructure special education services, streamline local authority responsibilities, and integrate healthcare with educational provision. The former secretaries argue that these reforms could fundamentally improve outcomes for millions of children with SEND needs, making it a critical moment for policymakers to unite behind the changes despite political divisions.
The letter underscores the urgency of addressing long-standing challenges in the system, such as inconsistent support, limited resources, and fragmented services. By leveraging their decades of experience in education policy, the signatories emphasize that this overhaul represents not just an opportunity to fix current flaws but also a chance to create a more inclusive and effective education system for future generations.
For readers interested in global or political developments, this appeal highlights the potential impact of cross-party collaboration on key public policies. The involvement of high-profile former officials adds weight to the argument, signaling that the reforms could have far-reaching consequences for both education and social policy in the UK.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/20/2026