Tom Howard

Last week, I attended a roundtable in Parliament on Early Years and SEND.

Parents should not have to fight for inclusion.

I called on the Department for Education to make SEND training mandatory for all school staff.

Inclusion must be the default - not a postcode lottery.

Manchester synagogue: Four people injured in car and stabbing attack in Crumpsall Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham says it's believed the suspect is dead. The incident comes on Yom Kippur - the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

I'm listening to the radio, and it's awful news coming in from Manchester.

My thoughts are with all the victims, along with their family and friends. Truly appalling. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cx...

Reform UK suspends councillor linked to account calling for Starmer’s death Exclusive: Party investigates Northumberland councillor John Allen over alleged YouTube posts

Reform UK has suspended a councillor after shocking online posts allegedly calling for Keir Starmer’s death.

There must be zero tolerance for violent threats in politics – words matter, and this kind of rhetoric puts lives at risk.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

He said yes! 🥳

Daniel's fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support Help Daniel Nisbet raise money to support Macmillan Cancer Support

My amazing boyfriend Daniel is taking on Scafell Pike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer! 💚

Every donation makes a difference - please support if you can! 🙏
www.justgiving.com/page/nbrandt...

My little brother struggled at school without the support he needed.

He was expected to fail, but today he passed all his exams and I couldn’t be prouder.

Every child deserves the chance to succeed!

Rupert Lowe mistakes charity rowers for 'illegal migrants' Rupert Lowe says he will donate £1,000 to charity but makes

Only in Britain can you row 1,000 miles for charity, fight tides and storms.. and end up intercepted because an MP thought you were an episode of Border Force: Great Yarmouth.

Nice work, Rupert.. 🙄

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Reform UK wants to roll back the clock on LGBTQ+ rights - banning Pride flags, gutting the Equality Act, and calling our existence “indoctrination.”

Farage's rise isn't just political - it's personal for so many of us.

We can’t afford to stay silent. 🏳️‍🌈 #LGBTQ #StopReform

Petition: Make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff We want the government to introduce mandatory neurodiversity training for all teachers and support staff as part of core training.

🚨 Our education system lacks a key ingredient: understanding.

Over 22,000 people have backed our call for mandatory neurodiversity training for ALL education staff.

It’s time we ensure every teacher is equipped to support every child.

Sign the petition: 👇
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...

On this day in 1588, the Spanish Armada was sighted off England’s coast - sparking one of history’s most famous naval showdowns. #OnThisDay #History

My piece for Pride Month in the local paper! 🏳️‍🌈 #Pride2025

Had the honour of meeting Lord Dubs today in Parliament and hearing about his childhood journey on the Kindertransport.

A powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and standing up for those in need. #RefugeesWelcome

Petition: Make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff We want the government to introduce mandatory neurodiversity training for all teachers and support staff as part of core training.

If you're watching Jamie's Dyslexia Revolution and would like to do something today to help make education more inclusive, then please consider signing and sharing this petition! #JamieDyslexia
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...

Totally agree, Adam - interviews can be a huge barrier. Reasonable adjustments apply at all stages of employment, including recruitment. People can and should ask for them when applying, but too often the process isn’t built to support that. The whole recruitment system needs a major shake-up.

The results of the local elections need to be a major wake-up call..

Reform poses a major threat to the National Health Service. Farage has made it clear that healthcare will be privatised. This can never be allowed to happen in the UK.

Petition: Make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff We want the government to introduce mandatory neurodiversity training for all teachers and support staff as part of core training.

Today marks the launch of my petition to make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff.

Too many pupils are being failed by a lack of understanding.

Please sign to help build a more inclusive future for every child:
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...

Just 16% of autistic adults are in full-time paid work. In many cases, that’s due to a lack of reasonable adjustments.

For #AutismAcceptanceMonth, I’ve written about how simple changes can make workplaces more inclusive - and why that benefits everyone. 👇

Buses aren't just transport - they're an economic engine, a climate solution, and a congestion cure. Every £1 spent on buses delivers £4.55 in benefits. It's time to stop overlooking them and start investing in a better-connected future. #RuralTransport

‘It represents the determination of everyone’: Autism campaigner recognised with prestigious award An autism campaigner has been recognised for his exceptional contribution to neurodiversity awareness and community inclusion.

Congratulations to @tomhowardasd.bsky.social, a vital member of my team who just won an award at the Autism Hero Awards 2025!

He's done a fantastic job campaigning for disability rights, and set up a brilliant community film club here in Bury St Edmunds!

www.suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-edmu...

PIP isn’t awarded solely to those who aren’t working.

It’s there to help with the extra costs of disabilities - costs that don’t disappear when someone gets a job.

For many, it’s what makes work possible. Removing it would push many out of employment.

I am truly honoured to have won the Personal Achievement Award at the Autism Hero Awards!

Huge thanks to Anna Kennedy Online for this incredible recognition. Proud to advocate for neurodiversity and help make a difference in our communities. #AutismHeroAwards

Current proposals to replace Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with a voucher scheme would undermine financial independence for millions. It's crucial we protect PIP as a lifeline for disabled people. #DisabilityRights

I've just been watching how Trump and Vance have treated Zelensky during his visit to the United States.

They're just high school bullies and have shown nothing but disrespect toward Zelensky and Ukraine.

It's shocking how much things have changed in just a matter of weeks..

DWP blew tens of millions in taxpayer cash on fighting disability benefit claims The latest figures revealed by Big Issue mean that the DWP has spent more than £400m on fighting disability benefit appeals since 2013.

The DWP has squandered over £400 million fighting disability benefit claims, losing almost 70% of appeals. Urgent reform is needed to create a fair and compassionate system that properly supports disabled people across the UK. #DisabilityRights
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...

Some talk of how disability benefits should be taken away from those with mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, and a focus placed on those with physical disabilities.

Unclear how these proposed changes would affect those with conditions such as ASD or ADHD.

Many thanks to the Health Secretary for taking the time to talk to me this evening. I thanked him for his commitment to rebuild all hospitals affected by RAAC!

Darren Jones MP addressing the East of England Labour Party regional conference.

Great to join Labour East for their regional conference in Southend today.

With our brilliant @teamlabouruk.bsky.social MPs in the region, this Labour government will deliver on the promise of change.

(📸 @tomhowardasd.bsky.social)

Just arrived at Southend for Regional Conference. Excited to hear from Darren Jones and Bridget Phillipson and to connect with others from across the East of England! 😊

DWP's consultation on disability benefit reforms unlawful, High Court rules The DWP's consultation into plans to slash billions from disability benefits has been ruled unlawful in a damning High Court judgement.

The DWP, under the Tory government, launched this consultation in 2023. Following a long legal battle, the High Court has found the consultation 'misleading and unfair' and ultimately unlawful. #DisabilityRights
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...

I've said it before and I'll say it again.. neurodiversity training should be mandatory in all educational institutions - from primary school to university!