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Rutland MP backs Benedict's Law in memory of five-year-old Benedict Blythe

Local News by Grace Kennington 1 hour ago  
Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns speaks out in support of Benedict's Law (Photo: The Benedict Blythe Foundation)
Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns speaks out in support of Benedict's Law (Photo: The Benedict Blythe Foundation)
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Alicia Kearns has spoken out in support ahead of the vote tonight (9 March) by MPs on Benedict's Law.

The amendment is in memory of five-year-old Benedict Blythe from Stamford, who died from an allergic reaction at his primary school in 2021.

Speaking about the amendment, Kearns said: 'Benedict's Law proposes that every school must have mandatory allergy policies, keep spare allergy treatments (like pens) and ensure all school staff are trained to respond to anaphylaxis.

'It is the allergy equivalent of fire extinguishers or defibrillators: rarely used, but essential when needed.

'I am calling on MPs of all parties to use their vote tonight to pass these vital protections into law and ensure every child with allergies feels safer in school.

'Not only is it crucial for the safety of school children, but it is a beautiful and necessary honour for Benedict.'

The Benedict Blythe Foundation was set up in Benedict's memory and has been instrumental in campaigning for the Food Allergy Safety Bill.

Research carried out in 2024 found 70% of schools did not have spare allergy pens, allergy trained staff or a school allergy policy.

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Currently, it is not legally required for schools to provide these, even when they are caring for high risk pupils.

At just five years old, Benedict died from anaphylaxis at school in December 2021.

The coroner cited lack of in-date adrenaline devices, inadequate training of staff and process confusion being causes for delay.

Nine years on, MPs will be voting on Benedict's Law legislation in Parliament on 9 March.

To find out more about Benedict's Law, click here for the Benedict Blythe Foundation website.

     

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