Boris Johnson stands his ground on refusal to extend school meal vouchers
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has continues to resist pressure to change his stance on extending free schools for children in England over the half-term holiday.
Johnson remains resolutely opposed to the extension of free school meals, proclaiming that he is “very proud” of the “government’s support” so far.
Responding to a chorus of criticism and opposition, the PM said the government will “do everything in our power to make sure that no kid, no child goes hungry”.
Earlier this year the British government extended free school meals to eligible children during the Easter Holidays.
The government then bowed to pressure and extended the same policy over the summer holiday following energetic campaigning by leading English footballer Marcus Rashford.
Rashford, who plays for Manchester United and the England national team, has been at the forefront of efforts to extend the free school meals policy for the benefit of disadvantaged children across the country.
A petition created by the footballer demanding the continuation of the free school meals in the holidays had attracted more than 900,000 signatures by early evening on Monday (October 26).
Commenting on the issue while on a visit to a hospital in Reading, the PM said he had not spoken to Rashford “since the summer”, before adding “I totally salute and understand” where the leading striker is coming from.
In stark contrast to England, the other UK nations - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - have already introduced food voucher schemes for the benefit of children from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds.
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