MP Robert Buckland recognised for education support (From This Is Wiltshire)

A SWINDON MP has been nominated for a new award for his work to further special needs education.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has been nominated for the first ever Grassroot Diplomat Initiative Awards, which looks to recognise outstanding diplomats and politicians in the UK for their dedication, commitment and selfless efforts in representing civilian matters at the highest level.

Nominated under the Policy Driver category, Mr Buckland has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to children with special educational needs, both nationally and locally in his constituency.

Without his intervention, thousands of children with special needs would have lost access to legal help they need to secure a quality of education. The MP provides invaluable support to the National Autistic Society and is renowned for bringing the voices of disadvantaged young people right into the heart of parliament.

“I hope my nomination for this award will help to spotlight the challenges that face children with Special Educational Needs and their families too,” he said.

“I will continue to work to help children and young people with SEN in Swindon and nationally.”

Talyn Rahman-Figueroa, director of Grassroot Diplomat said: “Grassroot diplomacy empowers the voiceless, defines a path for the hopeless, and restores faith to influencers. The Initiative Award seeks to build trust again between the ‘us and them’ and bring people of all statuses together.”

Rob is committed to engaging the grassroots in its combined efforts to understanding autism at an early stage, and for this, his efforts are being recognised here.

More than 50 high-level government officials have been nominated across three categories but there can only be six winners.

The awards will be handed out in the Vincent Rooms, Westmin-ster with an evening performance led by Eurovision Song Contest artist Imaani and a gala dinner. For tickets, visit www.grassrootdiplomat.org/awards