Monday, February 23, 2026

The education secretary is making a statement in the Commons around now on her plans to reform special educational needs and disability (Send) provision.   

So far, the experts who have gone through the white paper have not spotted an obvious problem with this sensitive policy – although our James Moore remains sceptical.   

As Geordie Greig, editor in chief of The Independent, said to Laura Kuenssberg yesterday, the reforms are "really about money". 

But Bridget Phillipson seems to be planning to spend more in the short term while increasing spending more slowly than previously forecast in later years, which seems the right – and politically effective – approach. 

It means it will start to become harder in three years to obtain an expensive education, health and care plan (EHCP) for less complex needs. 

Which author was born Helen Lyndon Goff but took Pamela as her first name and her alcoholic bank manager father's first name as her surname?  

Answer at the bottom of today's email 

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Daily briefing

Peter Mandelson arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office

The Metropolitan Police said the arrest follows searches 'at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas' 

What it feels like to be in No 10 when the prime minister is losing power

'In The Room', with Cleo Watson, former deputy chief of staff, and Helen MacNamara, former deputy cabinet secretary

These days, people are more interested in what Tony Blair got right

Channel 4's documentary seemed obsessed with trying to get the former prime minister to admit Iraq was a mistake

What else you need to know today

● Zia Yusuf as home secretary… how bad could it possibly be, asks Sean O'Grady, as Reform unveils plans for an ICE-style borders agency

● Martin Lewis apologises after gatecrashing Kemi Badenoch's interview on student loans

● I wrote at the weekend about the Gorton and Denton by-election this Thursday: most by-elections don't matter; this one does – today Keir Starmer visited the constituency for the first time, so that he couldn't be accused of staying away because he knows he is unpopular

The Independent View

Politics Explained

Do the latest economic statistics mean Rachel Reeves is doing something right?

Borrowing is down, and tax receipts are up, so could it be that the fortunes of the beleaguered chancellor are finally improving asks Sean O'Grady...

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MOST COMMENTED

QUOTATION OF THE DAY

Every child will get the brilliant support they deserve, when they need it, as routine and without a fight

Bridget Phillipson, education secretary

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Quiz answer: PL (Pamela Lyndon) Travers, author of Mary Poppins

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