The RCSLT, alongside partners from the Invest in SLT campaign, delivered a letter to 10 Downing Street on Sunday, 22 March, calling for urgent cross-government action to improve access to speech and language therapy. Coordinated by the RCSLT and Mikey’s Wish Foundation) (founded by activist and campaigner, Mikey Akers) over 50 organisations, including Communication Matters, signed the letter to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, urging him to publish the speech and language therapy action plan that members of the campaign had been promised in a meeting with Minister for Care, Stephen Kinnock, on 24 March 2025.
The letter follows Sir Keir’s comments at Prime Minister’s Questions on 11 February, where he acknowledged the importance of speech and language therapy. Campaign supporters welcomed this recognition, but stressed that meaningful progress now requires coordinated leadership and delivery.
Why this matters
As highlighted in Parliament by David Pinto-Duschinsky MP in February, millions of people in the UK live with communication differences or difficulties with eating, drinking, and swallowing. Around 10% of children and young people have long-term speech, language, and communication needs, many of which persist into adulthood. Others acquire these needs later in life due to illness or injury.
Without timely access to speech and language therapy, individuals face significant barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and social participation. There are also serious health risks associated with untreated swallowing difficulties, including hospitalisation and, in some cases, death.
Despite the life-changing impact of these services, access remains inconsistent and often delayed. In some areas, particularly for adults, provision is extremely limited or unavailable through the NHS. This contributes to widening inequalities and increases long-term pressure on public services.
A call for urgent action
The letter calls on the Prime Minister to take personal leadership in ensuring that a long-promised cross-government action plan is published without further delay. This follows commitments made by Minister Kinnock to work with the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Education, and NHS England on a coordinated response.
One year on, campaigners are concerned by the lack of a published plan and clear timelines for implementation. The letter makes clear that investment in speech and language therapy is not only a health or education issue, but fundamental to achieving wider government priorities. Early intervention and sustained support across the lifespan, from infancy to later life, can reduce long-term costs across health, education, social care, and justice systems.
Campaign momentum
This latest action builds on the strong momentum of the #InvestInSLT campaign, including the Westminster Hall debate on 27 January 2025 and ongoing engagement with policymakers and charity partners. RCSLT and campaign partners stand ready to support the Government in developing and delivering the action plan, but stress that urgent leadership is now needed to turn commitments into tangible change.
