Reform UK leader Nigel Farage attended a press conference on the economy and renewable energy in London on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The event was met with great anticipation as Farage, known for his controversial views, was expected to make some bold statements.
However, the focus of the press conference quickly shifted when Farage made comments about the rising number of children being diagnosed with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the UK. He claimed that this was a “massive problem” and that children were being “over-diagnosed” with mental illness problems and other general behavioral disabilities.
Farage’s words sparked significant backlash, with many accusing him of perpetuating stigma and being out of touch with the reality of those living with SEND. Mel Merritt, head of policy and campaigns at the National Autistic Society, called out Farage for spreading misinformation and creating a false narrative about those with SEND.
Merritt stated, “For the record, absolutely no one has got an autism diagnosis through the GP – this is just incorrect, wrong, fake news.” She also emphasized that children with SEND and disabled adults are not victims, but rather individuals who face significant challenges in getting the support they need.
Guardian columnist John Harris, who has written about his autistic son, also criticized Farage’s comments, calling them “arrant and nasty.” He pointed out that it is not possible to get an autism or SEND diagnosis from a GP and that people often have to wait years for one.
Minesh Patel, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at Mind, also weighed in on the issue, stating that the only victims in this discussion are facts. He emphasized that mental health is not a standalone issue and is influenced by various factors such as public finances, the pandemic, and the cost of living crisis.
Patel stated, “We will not solve the mental health crisis by stigmatizing people who are already suffering. It is time to face the facts.” He also called for politicians to stop using mental health as a tool for political point scoring and instead focus on finding solutions to the underlying issues.
With local elections approaching, Lib Dem education spokesperson Munira Wilson accused Farage of using this issue to lay the groundwork for cutting crucial special needs provision in councils he has his eye on. She emphasized that the special needs crisis needs urgent attention and that Farage’s rhetoric is not helpful.
Wilson stated, “If Nigel Farage had spent any time speaking to parents in his constituency, he’d know he’s barking up the wrong tree. The special needs crisis needs urgent repair – not his lazy rhetoric. We need a National Body for SEND to end the special needs postcode lottery now.”
Farage’s comments have once again sparked a debate about the state of mental health and support for those with disabilities in the UK. While some may agree with his views, it is important to remember that these issues are complex and cannot be reduced to simplistic statements.
It is also crucial to listen to the voices of those directly affected by these issues, rather than relying on misinformation and stereotypes. As a society, we must work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for those with SEND and disabilities.
In the midst of this controversy, it is important to remember that mental health and disabilities are not political issues – they are human issues. It is time for politicians to put aside their differences and work towards finding real solutions to these pressing problems.
As we approach the local elections, let us not forget the real issues at hand and hold our politicians accountable for their actions and words. It is time to prioritize the well-being and support of all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Let us come together as a society and create a better future for all.
