Minister pledges that children will receive Send support ‘much more quickly’ under new reforms - UK politics live

The Guardian World

by Yohannes Lowe

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The UK government has announced plans to halve the attainment gap between the poorest pupils and their more affluent peers in England under new reforms. The education secretary has pledged that children receiving Special Educational Needs (SEN) support will receive it 'much more quickly' under these changes, aiming to address inequalities in the education system. Meanwhile, attention remains focused on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who is eighth in line to the throne. Searches are expected to continue at his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, as calls grow for a probe into his alleged links with Jeffrey Epstein. The government has stated that if the bill receives support from the King, it will be backed by parliament, though there is growing public concern over the optics of royal involvement and the potential distraction from more pressing issues. The government's focus on education reform highlights its commitment to addressing social inequalities, particularly in access to quality education. By aiming to halve the attainment gap, officials are signaling a priority on closing disparities that have long persisted in England's schools. The proposed reforms could have significant implications for pupils with special educational needs and their families, offering hope for more timely and effective support. However, the ongoing inquiry into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has sparked debate about whether royal connections should overshadow public priorities. Critics argue that parliament should instead focus on critical issues like the economy, crime, healthcare, and immigration. While the government maintains that it will support the bill if it comes before parliament, the optics of a royal figure's alleged ties to Epstein continue to cast a shadow over the proceedings. These developments underscore the delicate balance between political priorities and public concerns in UK politics. The education reforms aim to create a more equitable future for children, while the royal scandal raises questions about accountability and trust in leadership. Both issues reflect broader societal concerns about fairness, justice, and the role of institutions in addressing them.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/22/2026