Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Coghlan Excerpts

Wednesday 4th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Louise Haigh]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The UK can be a world leader in this industry, which is why our space strategy set out over £7.8 billion of investment to strengthen our national security and resilience. I can assure him that our decisions will always prioritise economic growth and jobs here in the UK and the enhancing of our sovereign capabilities, and I am sure that my hon. Friend the Space Minister will be very happy to meet him to discuss this.

[Chris Coghlan (Dorking and Horley) (LD)]

Q5. After eight years of refusals by her local authority to support her autism, 13-year-old Eivie White took her own life. Six months later, Eivie’s best friend took her own life, aged 13. Eivie is one of 200 cases related to avoidable child suicide and 1,200 child testimonies of misconduct on special educational needs and disabilities by 134 local authorities. The police are now involved. As local authority misconduct has led to children’s deaths, do the Government still plan to weaken children’s legal protections, especially at tribunal, in the SEND reforms?

[Louise Haigh]

I am sure the whole House’s thoughts are with Eivie and her friend’s families and all who loved them. This is a tragic case, and one that absolutely highlights the importance of reforming SEND—I know the whole House is behind that—as we look to tackle the failures in this system that have been an issue for many years. My right hon. Friend the Education Secretary is leading the work to strengthen that system so that families do not have to fight for support, and education, health and care plans will remain part of the system. Parents will continue to be involved in decisions about their children’s support, and the tribunal will remain a key legal backstop. My right hon. Friend is more than happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss this issue and the very sad case he raises.