‘Disgust’ at how MPs voted over free meals

READERS GIVE THEIR VIEWS AS EXTENSION PLEA IS REJECTED

PEOPLE across Leicestershire have reacted with anger and “disgust” at MPs who voted to reject Marcus Rashford’s plea to extend free school meals over half-term.

Mercury readers have let their local MPs know exactly what they think after the motion was rejected by 319 votes to 260 in the Commons on Wednesday, with almost all of the votes against coming from Conservative MPs.

The brainchild of England and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, he had proposed to help families with children living in poverty, especially during the pandemic. The vote against the motion came as a surprise to some, with one Conservative MP choosing to quit over the result.

We asked people via our Facebook page what message they would like to send to their MP following the vote.

The vast majority who commented said they were upset at the local MPs who voted against the motion. Some were angry MPs voted it down while benefiting from subsidised meals in Parliament themselves. “They vote against whilst we the tax payers subsidise their meals ... disgusting,” said one reader.

“I find it abhorrent that MPs get to eat high class meals in the HoC [House of Commons] subsidised by us, the tax payers, as well as generous meal allowances. I would prefer my taxes to go to feed hungry children rather than wealthy MPs,” said another.

One reader posted: “Considering the billions being spent to support other parts of our communities, the cost for the free school meals extension must be a drop in the ocean.”

One poster suggested children going hungry could cause more harm. She said: “Hunger does not take holidays. Please don’t let Covid19 cause even more damage by keeping children in food poverty.”

A man said he hoped people would remember the way MPs voted and register that at the polls. “What I’d like to say would probably get me banned. So I’ll content myself with hoping they lose their seats at the next election,” he said. But one person suggested Rashford should turn to the football world to finance free meals for children.

“I totally agree with Marcus Rashford’s concerns – but I would like him to focus not just on the government but his own work place,” she said. “Millions have been spent on footballers’ transfer fees... Just think how many children could have been feed during school holidays with that money?”

However, some thought the cost of such meals would be covered by benefits. “Universal Credit has been increased and isn’t food what child benefit should be spent on? Plus there are food banks,” said another.