Government confirms Benedict’s Law will be written into legislation following family's campaign
The government has now confirmed that Benedict’s Law will be written into the statute book, meaning new allergy safety protections in schools will become law.
Benedict’s Law will be the first time parliament has written specific allergy protections into primary legislation in England.
The monumental change comes as a result of years of campaigning from the Blythe family, Helen, Peter and their daughter Etta, following the death of Benedict Blythe (aged 5) in 2021.
During proceedings in the House of Commons on Monday (March 9), Minister for Early Years Olivia Bailey confirmed in front of the family of Benedict that the measures known as Benedict’s Law will go beyond the statutory guidance published last week and will be placed into legislation.
Once enacted, schools will be legally required to implement key allergy safety protections including allergy policies, staff training and access to emergency adrenaline auto-injectors which will be laid out through regulations by Secretary of State.
These measures are designed to ensure schools are better prepared to recognise and respond to severe allergic reactions.
The government’s announcement came as a Lords amendment proposed by Alicia Kearns MP and tabled by Baroness Morgan of Coates returned to the House of Commons for a vote. Last week the Department for Education asserted they did not believe primary legislation was required, however campaigners welcome the change of heart.
Helen Blythe, Benedict’s mother and founder of the Benedict Blythe Foundation, said: “Hearing the government confirm that Benedict’s Law will be written into legislation was an incredibly powerful moment for our family.
“These protections will help ensure schools are prepared to recognise and respond to allergic reactions and that children with allergies are safer wherever they go to school. Knowing that Benedict’s legacy will help protect other children means the world to us.”
The government recently launched consultation on new statutory guidance on supporting children with medical conditions and allergies in schools. Monday’s confirmation means the core principles of that guidance will now be strengthened by being written into law.
Campaigners say the move represents a major milestone in improving allergy safety in schools and provides long-awaited clarity for both families and educators.
Unions though have called for adequate fundings for schools to deliver these new asks, something the Blythe family support.
Matt Wrack, NASUWT General Secretary said: “As we have seen, adequate training, resources and awareness on allergy management can make the difference between life and death in some cases and we welcome the move from the government to improve allergy safety in schools.
“However, if the government is serious about protecting children and young people with allergies when they go to school they must provide additional funding to resource the stocking of adrenaline pens and training for all staff on allergy management.
“At a time when school budgets are under immense strain it is not realistic to expect every school to fund these measures from existing budgets. Children’s safety must not be compromised by a failure to provide schools with the necessary resources to meet their responsibilities.”
Alicia Kearns MP who proposed the original amendment for Benedict’s Law said: “I am utterly relieved the Government has commitment to supporting Benedict’s Law and listened to our campaign to ensure children with allergies are safer at school.
Helen, Peter and the Benedict Blythe Foundation deserve immense credit for their tireless determination to protect children with allergies.
This victory is for all children with allergies, and a beautiful honour for Benedict whose life mattered, and whose legacy, matters.
Professor Adam Fox OBE, Chair of the National Allergy Strategy Group, said: “This fabulous news has been a long time coming and represents many years of work and advocacy.
“The whole allergy community owes a debt of gratitude to Helen and Peter Blythe. As well as the other major allergy charities and British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology who have been working collaboratively to turn this into a reality and come one huge step closer to parents being able to send their child with severe allergies to school knowing they will be safe.
“Education is an important part of the upcoming National Allergy Strategy launched April 20, 2026 and this is a crucial first step’’