MSP welcomes free school meals decision

Perthshire South and Kinross-shire SNP MSP Roseanna Cunningham has welcomed her party’s commitment to extend eligibility for free school lunches to all primary school pupils in Scotland if it is reelected to lead the country next year.

Scotland’s depute first minister and Perthshire North SNP MSP John Swinney announced the planned extension in a pre-recorded speech played during the party’s 86th annual national conference last weekend.

The party previously extended eligibility for free school lunches to all P1 to P3 pupils in 2015 while P4 to P7 pupils are currently eligible based on a range of income and benefits criteria.

Ms Cunningham, who is not standing as a candidate during next year’s Scottish Parliament election, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has put real financial pressure on families, and it’s right that the Scottish Government ensured that children across Scotland would continue to receive free school meals over the holidays.

“But we will not stop there. If the SNP is re-elected in May, every single primary school pupil will be eligible for free breakfast and lunch, all year round.”

Ms Cunningham further welcomed a separate announcement made at the conference the party plans to pay NHS

Tayside workers a £500 bonus as a reward for having to deal with the coronavirus pandemic this year.

She said: “NHS staff in Tayside have worked so hard to keep everyone safe during the pandemic and put their lives on the line to treat some of the sickest patients with the disease.

“I am delighted to see all their work and sacrifice is being rewarded by the Scottish Government with this £500 payment.”