by Felix Von der Geest
On the 21st October 2020, the Tories voted against a Labour motion proposing school meals during half-term and Christmas. This was vital for families on low incomes struggling due to Covid-19. The idea, originally put forward by newly honoured Manchester United striker, Marcus Rashford MBE was rejected 322-261, with just five Conservatives voting for the motion. But young people were outraged that the Children's Minister and the head of the anti-hunger commission voted against it. Many speculated the move could have been due to cost-cutting, but a day later Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, unveiled a huge package of new measures to help people get through the new restrictions.
When asked by the press why the motion was rejected, Gavin Williamson the Education Secretary said, “Free school meals are, and always have been about supporting children with a meal to help them when they’re at school or currently at home learning. But it is our support through Universal Credit and our comprehensive welfare system that supports families.”
But how do young people feel about this? Find out on Monday at 5:00pm in the next episode.
Marcus Rashford, the brains behind the initiative
Comments