MP says Government ‘let down more than one million children’ by voting against free school meals

MPs voted against free school meals over holidays, despite Marcus Rashford’s campaigning.

MPs voted in the House of Commons last night on the plan to extend free school meals into school holidays. There were 322 votes to 261.

The plan would have extended provision of hot food for children until Easter 2021, however, it was defeated by a majority of 61. 

According to Food Foundation, more than 1.4million children experience food insecurity and 6.3% are worried about going hungry during the upcoming October half-term. 

Following the news, #EatNowtToHelpOut is now trending on Twitter. Labour MP for Coventry North West tweeted: “I pleaded with the Conservatives to find it in their heart to ensure children don’t go hungry.

“Tonight they voted against our proposals for Free School Meals this Christmas.”

Adding thanks to Marcus Rashford for raising this issue, “We will keep persisting until we #Endchildpoverty”, she said.

Campaigners, including Marcus Rashford, explained that the coronavirus crisis has lead to a surge in economic insecurity including a threat of an unemployment spike due to a winter wave of the virus.

The government previously bowed to the pressure, making a well-documented u-turn and extended free meals throughout the summer holidays. For the first time in modern British history, schools closed leaving many children who rely on the free school meal with food insecurity. The scheme cost an estimated £126m.  However, they have said they don’t want to do it again. 

Rashford MBE, told his 3.5 million Twitter followers following the news: “Put aside all the noise, the digs, the party politics, and let’s focus on the reality. A significant number of children are going to bed tonight not only hungry but feeling like they do not matter because of comments that have been made today.”

He added: “We must stop stigmatising, judging and pointing fingers. Our views are being clouded by political affiliation. This is not politics, this is humanity…

“I don’t have the education of a politician, many on Twitter have made that clear today, but I have a social education having lived through this and having spent time with the families and children most affected. These children matter.”

The shadow education secretary, Kate Green said that Mr Johnson and the Conservatives had ‘badly let down more than one million children and their families’

She added: “No child should go hungry over the holidays, but the government is blocking the action needed to prevent this,”

“We pay tribute to Marcus Rashford and others for shining a spotlight on this incredibly important issue. This campaign is not over and the government must reconsider.”

Rashford finished his statement with: “These children are the future of this country. They are not just a statistic.

“And for as long as they don’t have a voice, they will have mine. You have my word on that.”