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Harrogate MP speaks out for SEND children in Parliament

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 15:55

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Local MP Tom Gordon banged the drum for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) this week, as David Lammy opened the floor for scrutiny on the Youth Justice Reform and Delivery Plan.

The MP questioned the Secretary of State for Justice on the “exclusion to offending pipeline” which links children who often have SEND to higher rates of youth offences and cycles of re-offending.

Mr Gordon asked what tangible steps were being taken between the Ministry of Justice and Department for Education to get this right.

The Minister responded in turn, raising the government’s work to end attendance and support issues in Pupil Referral Units, calling it a ‘pipeline into crime’.

Tom said:

“My inbox is full of messages from parents of SEND children. Speaking to industry experts, it’s a real concern of teachers.

“They want to help young people onto the right path, but they seldom have the tools they need to provide the right support.

“We need joined up thinking that recognises education links to youth justice and reoffending links to higher public spending.”

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