Conservative leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch has come under fire following the release of a report that she endorsed, which claims people with autism receive “economic advantages and protections” and “better treatment or equipment at school.”
The pamphlet, launched by Badenoch at a campaign event, features contributions from 24 of her supporters. It aims to outline ways the Conservative Party can “get back on track” and includes a section that criticizes the current approach to mental health, particularly autism and anxiety.
The report argues that the “socialisation of mental health,” which it claims forces society to treat individuals differently, has not improved mental health outcomes. It asserts that those with conditions like autism and anxiety receive benefits not available to others, such as economic protections.
“If you have a neurodiversity diagnosis (e.g., anxiety, autism), then that is usually seen as a disability, a category similar to race or biological sex in terms of discrimination law and general attitudes,” the report states.
Badenoch’s spokesperson defended the report, rejecting suggestions of prejudice. They emphasized the need for open discussions on mental health, arguing that addressing the issue is crucial for improving productivity and society’s approach to mental health challenges. The spokesperson also stressed that Badenoch had contributed only the foreword to the report and that it reflected broader concerns about mental health’s impact on society.
The report has faced criticism, particularly for its interpretation of autism. Former Conservative Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, who authored a review on employment rates among autistic individuals earlier this year, described the report’s assessment as “muddled.” He argued that the report inaccurately conflated autism with mental health conditions, which he said is not supported by evidence.
Buckland pointed out that his review found over 700,000 autistic people economically inactive due to barriers in the workforce, suggesting that the report misrepresents the issue.
The report, launched in September, also claims that autistic children receive better support at school, including specialized equipment and transport, and that adults with autism find it easier to claim for unfair dismissal. It further suggests that mental health has shifted from being an individual responsibility to something society, schools, and employers must accommodate.
The National Health Service (NHS) classifies anxiety as a mental health condition, while the National Autistic Society defines autism as a developmental disability.
Badenoch’s comments come amid ongoing concerns about special needs education. Former Education Secretary Gillian Keegan acknowledged that special needs support in schools, which benefits autistic children, is in “crisis.” Figures from March revealed that special schools are operating beyond capacity, with an additional 4,000 pupils enrolled.
Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Josh Babarinde criticized Badenoch’s views, claiming they show a lack of understanding and compassion for the struggles faced by people with autism.
Badenoch, who made it to the final two in the Conservative leadership race, has frequently faced backlash during her campaign for controversial remarks. Earlier in the week, she faced criticism for suggesting that maternity pay in the UK is “excessive,” although she later clarified that her comments were intended to highlight business regulation concerns, not maternity pay itself.
Badenoch has also been criticized for past comments about civil servants and care workers, which further intensified scrutiny of her campaign.
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