Is there really no money for free school meals?

Amid the talks over Manchester's request for an extra £30M a month for jobs support, or indeed the tens of millions for half-term free school meals in England, and the debate over a tougher lockdown, the government and its top supporters are citing the idea that there is no money left. Find out if this is a valid position via the BBC. 

8 reasons why the Tories shouldn't be debating feeding hungry children

On Wednesday, the Tories voted down an amendment that would have seen free school meal vouchers – worth only £15 a week, lest we forget – be continued for low income families over Christmas and through the Easter holidays. This has led to widespread anger, from the general public all the way up to footballer Marcus Rashford, who’s become the face of the fight to get the government to support hungry children. Read the full article via Indy100. 

Tory MPs defend opposition to Rashford's free school meals campaign

"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," said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. Read the full article via Express & Star. 

Tory MP Caroline Ansell resigns from government over free school meals rebellion

A Tory MP has quit her junior government role after rebelling to support extending free school meals over the coming school holidays. Caroline Ansell resigned as a parliamentary private secretary to the environment secretary, saying she "could not in all conscience ignore" her belief the policy would benefit families struggling during the pandemic. Read the full article via Sky News. 

Boris Johnson gets a kicking from Rashford's meals campaign

Cafes, restaurants and local councils have rallied behind a campaign by England soccer star Marcus Rashford to give free meals to children from the poorest homes, in a show of defiance against Boris Johnson. Read more via Bloomberg.