Keir Starmer has been asked to consider more funding for children with special educational needs (SEN) in North Yorkshire.

Skipton and Ripon MP, Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE, raised the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday, October 9.

He highlighted the struggles faced by schools and families in obtaining the necessary resources and support for vulnerable children.

Mr Smith asked: "Mr Speaker, special education needs budgets in North Yorkshire and across the UK are under huge pressure.

"Could I ask the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, as they prepare for the Budget, could they look carefully at how increased funding and changes to the funding formula could make a massive difference to thousands of lives of children across the country?"

The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, acknowledged the concern and responded: "I am grateful to the honourable member for raising this issue which is of real concern across the country to many parents who are concerned about the provision and I do agree that children with special educational needs and disabilities are being failed with parents struggling to get their children the support that they need and deserve and we have to change that.

"And I am determined to raise standards for every child so they succeed in education and we will work with the sector and, across the House where we can, to deliver on that mission which is very important for many parents who will be watching this today."

Mr Smith, who has been a long-standing advocate for improved SEN support, recently met with North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of Children and Young People's Service, Stuart Carlton, to discuss the increasing demand for SEN services across the county.

Sir Julian Smith's question to the Prime Minister and Starmer's response can be viewed via parliamentlive.tv, which has the full PMQs broadcast.