In my capacity as Lib Dem Schools Spokesperson, I spoke in a parliamentary debate on SEND in Kent this week. It was interesting when preparing for the speech to see just how many historic similarities there are in SEND support and delivery in Kent and Devon. Like here, Kent Council has in the past struggled to deliver EHCPs in a timely manner, with just 13% given in the 20-week deadline in the year to March 24. Much like other local authorities, Kent has statutory duties to m

Sexual exploitation is being perpetrated on an industrial scale by pimping websites which currently enjoy total legal impunity.

Last week, when I appeared on the BBC’s Care Gap Exposed, I heard families share testimonies of shocking neglect – stories that expose the systemic failure to protect our most vulnerable.     These accounts were heartbreaking. We heard of an elderly mother, who had lived a full and happy life, suffering an unwitnessed fatal fall while a staff member was asleep on duty. And of a son with a rare genetic condition, who struggled with swallowing and was tragically found dead with

The Met Office has issued a Yellow weather warning for heavy rain over parts of South Devon until midnight tonight. Heavy rain is also expected to continue tomorrow as well.   The worst of the rain is expected to begin early this evening and extend into the night. If the Met expects properties to flood, they’ll issue Flood Warnings. You can keep up to date with any alerts here: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/   If you haven’t signed up to receive flood warnings, ma

The Liberal Democrats welcome the Government’s ambition to see arts and outdoor enrichment education included at the heart of the school curriculum. I’ve seen first-hand during numerous school visits since the election the phenomenal impact outdoor education can have for children. But the Government’s Curriculum & Assessment Review leaves many unanswered questions, particularly over funding and how schools are going to recruit the teachers needed to deliver this expansion. Th

The city of El Fasher in Sudan fell to the Rapid Support Force last week after a lengthy siege which saw the militia group build an earthen wall around the city, trapping those inside who faced daily attacks and mass starvation.