Mum's Plea: Vote for Law to Save Allergic Kids

Helen Blythe, the mother of five-year-old Benedict Blythe who died from an anaphylactic reaction to cow's milk at school, has made an emotional appeal to Members of Parliament. She is urging them to vote for a new law that would mandate adequate allergy plans in all schools, potentially saving children's lives. This crucial amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, if passed, would legally require schools to stock adrenaline autoinjector pens (EpiPens) and provide allergy awareness training to staff. Benedict Blythe tragically died in December 2021 after accidental exposure to cow's milk at Barnack Primary School, despite his parents providing a detailed allergy action plan. An inquest highlighted delays in administering an EpiPen and missed opportunities for learning. Despite the Department for Education launching a consultation for new statutory guidance with similar aims, campaigners argue it lacks legal enforcement. They warn that academies and independent schools might not be covered, and others could choose not to comply, echoing past failures where recommended safeguards were not implemented by many schools. While the government believes these measures can be achieved without new legislation, supporters of the amendment argue that legal enforceability, coupled with adequate funding for schools, is essential. They point out that mandated auto-injector pens for schools could even offer cost savings. MPs are set to vote on the amendment soon, with a call for ministers to reconsider their opposition.