- Reform UK leader Nigel Farage sparked backlash after claiming that GPs are “overdiagnosing” mental health issues in adults and children with special educational needs (SEND), potentially creating a "class of victims”.
- He suggested that diagnoses made via Zoom and by family GPs are unreliable and should be conducted independently.
- Charities like the National Autistic Society and Mind condemned Farage's remarks as “wildly inaccurate” and stigmatising, emphasising the challenges faced by individuals with SEND and mental health conditions in accessing support and diagnoses.
- They highlighted that autism diagnoses are not given by GPs and that Farage's comments perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
- Opposition politicians also condemned Farage's statements, accusing him of lacking compassion and understanding of the SEND crisis and potentially aiming to cut essential services.
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