3 LIONS MARCUS PLAYS A BLINDER Free meals plan wins big backing
MARCUS Rashford scored a spectacular hattrick in his battle with Boris Johnson to extend free meals for schoolkids.
First nearly 250,000 signed his petition calling on the Prime Minister to stump up free grub for povertystricken youngsters in school holidays until next spring.
Then children’s commissioner Anne Longfield pledged her support to the Manchester United and England star’s campaign.
And last night Labour joined Rashford’s team – giving the Government 72 hours to respond to his demands.
Shadow Education
Secretary Kate Green said:
“Labour will not stand by and let families be the victims of the Government’s incompetence.
“If Boris Johnson doesn’t change course we will force a vote this week and give his backbenchers the chance to do the right thing.”
Backing his campaign, children’s commissioner
Anne said “food insecurity” affected millions of families and it was time for the Government to be
“bold and generous”.
Rashford launched an online “end child poverty” petition which called on the Government to “ensure children don’t pay the price” for the effects of
Covid- 19. Mr Johnson has already been forced into one U- turn when he agreed to extend free meals for children off school during lockdown.
The footballer received letters from children at Bessemer Grange Primary School in Dylways, southeast London, thanking him for his efforts.
The Welsh government has guaranteed free grub in holidays to next Easter at a cost of £ 11million. But Downing Street is so far refusing to yield in England.
A spokesman said: “We’re in a different position now with schools back open. The best way to support families outside of term time is through Universal Credit.”
Senior Tory MP Rob Halfon tweeted: “This is very disappointing.”