Rt Hon Valerie Vaz MP has criticised the Government’s decision to vote against free school meals over the holidays
Rt Hon Valerie Vaz MP said:
“I am alarmed at the Government’s failure to support the request to provide free school meals for children in need.
“In Walsall South, over 5,000 children would have been eligible for free school meals over the school holidays. Children and families needed this support to make ends meet in extremely difficult circumstances.”
“Over the summer, the Government listened to pressure from Labour and committed to providing free school meals over the summer holidays. However, this week the Government decided to vote against free school meals over the holidays during what could be one of the toughest winters in a generation.
“In the months ahead, more families will be at risk of unemployment – with some forecasts of unemployment at 10% - making other forms of support such as free school meals more important to helping families make ends meet.
“The Welsh Labour Government has already made this commitment and will provide free school meals in all school holidays until Easter next year.
“I pay tribute to Marcus Rashford and all who have campaigned on this important issue. We will continue our campaign to prevent needless child hunger this winter and the Government must reconsider.”
