Free School Meals: Summer Holidays

Nigel Evans Con

Chorley

The amendment is not being moved, so we move straight into the debate. A lot of Members have shown interest in this particular debate, so please can I ask, in both the opening and the response to this motion, please be mindful that so many people wish to participate?

Rebecca Long-Bailey Lab

Salford

Calls on the Government to continue funding free school meals over summer holidays. Emphasises need for addressing poverty, citing data from Food Foundation and TUC reports.

Danny Kruger Reform

East Wiltshire

Acknowledges importance of debate and cross-party support but asks how to best help vulnerable children.

Angela Eagle Lab

Wallasey

Questions the Government's actions in sending ministers to defend the decision, implying it was unnecessary due to public pressure.

Tim Farron Lib Dem

Westmorland and Lonsdale

Agrees with the speaker but highlights issues with implementation of current system, suggesting improvements are needed before summer.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Commends Government for agreeing to provide free school meals and compares it favourably against other regions that have already implemented similar measures.

Patricia Gibson

Supports the idea of replicating Scotland's child payment system in England as a way to help lower income families reduce household poverty.

Rushanara Ali Lab

Bethnal Green and Stepney

Highlights increased food insecurity affecting millions, stressing that free school meals U-turn is insufficient without further action from the Government.

Gareth Johnson

Claims Conservative government has created more jobs than any Labour government in history and questions if they should be grateful for such job creation.

Tim Farron Lib Dem

Westmorland and Lonsdale

Proposes the need for additional funding not only for space but also teaching assistants to ensure proper care and education in schools.

Jonathan Gullis

Offers to return as a teacher if needed, suggests returning all children to classrooms safely rather than expanding spaces or using portakabins.

Clive Efford Lab

Eltham and Chislehurst

Calls for the Government to engage with teachers' unions, schools, local authorities and parents to ensure safe return of children in September.

Jonathan Gullis

Questions how proposed changes will factor into varied teaching methods across different schools.

Siobhain McDonagh Lab

Mitcham and Morden

Presents a bill to provide internet access and devices for children eligible for free school meals, urging Secretary of State's support.

Ben Bradley Con

Expressed concern about the misuse of free school meal vouchers in households affected by domestic abuse and addiction, suggesting the need for safeguards to ensure that the vouchers are used correctly for healthy meals.

Tim Farron Lib Dem

Westmorland and Lonsdale

Asked about the accessibility of free school meal vouchers in rural areas where there might not be a nearby supermarket that accepts the vouchers, seeking to ensure that every child benefits equally regardless of their location.

Matt Vickers Con

Stockton West

Acknowledged the government's support for disadvantaged youngsters and requested a review of his local council’s bid for the holiday activities fund to ensure that all children in Stockton can benefit from summer programmes and opportunities.

Jonathan Gullis

Suggested expanding holiday programmes similar to those offered by the Hubb Foundation in Stoke-on-Trent, which supports health, wellbeing, and educational work for disadvantaged communities.

Aaron Bell Con

Emphasised that while the government has made significant progress over the past decade on free school meals, it is crucial to bring children back to schools in September as the best place for providing these meals.

Joy Morrissey Con

Beaconsfield

Highlighted the importance of having children in school to close the inequality gap and praised local initiatives such as the Lighthouse programme, which helps children with learning disabilities during summer breaks.

Patricia Gibson

Asked about the establishment of an independent UK watchdog for children’s food as recommended by the Children’s Future Food inquiry to ensure committed leadership in delivering for children.

Jason McCartney Con

Thanked the Secretary of State for extending free school meals through the summer and echoed Marcus Rashford's sentiment that this is about doing the right thing for vulnerable children, urging continued focus on their welfare.

Paul Bristow

Acknowledged the broader support offered by teachers to vulnerable students beyond just providing free school meals, including regular phone calls and checks during challenging times.

Maria Eagle Lab

Liverpool Garston

Eagle thanked Marcus Rashford for his efforts in raising awareness about free school meals. She also praised the work of football fans in Liverpool who have supported foodbanks during the crisis, including financial support from players. She highlighted the significant number of children eligible for free school meals and the high poverty rate among children in her constituency. She mentioned that local councils are struggling to respond due to a lack of funding, despite the increased need for assistance.

Siobhain McDonagh Lab

Mitcham and Morden

Intervened to praise AFC Wimbledon fans for their activities in delivering food parcels during the crisis.

Angela Eagle Lab

Wallasey

Agreed with Maria Eagle that the precarious nature of work is a legacy of the Conservative party, emphasising the need to address this issue to alleviate poverty and hunger among children.

Alexander Stafford Con

Rother Valley

It is an honour to give my maiden speech, focusing on the importance of schools and children's health. Schools should be a safe haven for our children where they receive not only education but also nutrition support during tough times like the current crisis. Rother Valley, which includes various small towns and villages in Yorkshire with diverse communities and rich industrial heritage, especially from coal mining and farming. I acknowledge my family’s support and pay tribute to my predecessor Kevin Barron, highlighting our shared commitment to anti-smoking measures despite differing on many issues. Emphasising the values of hard work, law and order, family values, and Christian morals, which are timeless and inspire Rother Valley's pursuit of a better future for their children. Finally, expressing gratitude towards constituents who voted me in, promising to listen and represent them faithfully.

John Cryer Lab

Leyton and Wanstead

Paying tribute to Alexander Stafford’s maiden speech, focusing on the critical issue of free school meals for children during summer holidays. In Leyton and Wanstead, over 2,000 children are entitled to free school meals in some of the poorest areas of London. Despite being near one of the richest cities, these communities face financial difficulties with many parents working multiple jobs before the pandemic. The government's initial reluctance to extend free school meals during holidays was alarming given the high percentage (33%) of people on furlough in Leyton and Wanstead and the additional hardships faced due to zero-hours contracts and vulnerable employment. Emphasising that no British Government can make a better investment than putting food into British children.

Laura Farris Con

Newbury

Congratulates the Government on their announcement of the covid summer food fund to provide meals through school holidays, but argues that direct provision of free school meals during the holidays is more effective and less bureaucratic. Emphasises the importance of supporting disadvantaged children and highlights the value of providing support directly from the government.

Alexander Stafford Lab

Rother Valley

Maiden speech congratulating Laura Farris on her contribution, expressing concern over child hunger during school holidays, and thanking the Government for listening to MPs' concerns.

Andrew Griffith Con

Arundel and South Downs

Supports the provision of free school meals and highlights the importance of education in combating poverty. Acknowledges the role of teachers and schools in providing a supportive environment for children, and praises the national school breakfast programme as an effective measure to support child development and academic progress.

Naseem Shah Lab

Bradford West

The debate highlights the high rate of child poverty in Bradford West, with over 50% of children living below the poverty line after housing costs. The Member emphasises that such issues should not require social media campaigns or interventions from celebrities but should be addressed through government action.

Paul Maynard

The Government's approach to addressing holiday hunger and child poverty is welcomed, but there needs to be a more decentralised solution tailored to local needs. The Member highlights the challenges faced by Blackpool, including a fragile visitor economy and high rates of pupil mobility due to insecure housing, leading to spikes in food bank demand during school holidays.

Angela Eagle Lab

Wallasey

I welcome the U-turn on the programme of food support, although it would have been difficult to learn from the Government’s contribution that there had been a U-turn at all. This kind of ad hoc approach is not good enough for tackling holiday hunger. The issue stems from problems in our labour market such as low pay and precarious work, exacerbated by austerity measures leading to inadequate benefits. Child poverty has increased since 2010, with seven out of ten people in poverty being in work. In Wallasey, 3,910 students were eligible for the voucher scheme; this number will likely increase due to rising unemployment. The food voucher scheme has helped reduce financial and mental anxiety among families during lockdown. However, civil society’s efforts have been strained by the pandemic. Schools played a crucial role in ensuring food parcels were available until the vouchers began. Without proactive measures from the Government, children would undoubtedly go hungry.

Gareth Johnson Con

Bexleyheath and Crayford

The Government have been financially generous throughout the outbreak with schemes such as the multibillion-pound furloughing programme, assistance for self-employed individuals, extra money invested in the NHS, free school meals provided through schools or vouchers during holidays. Universal credit and working tax credits received uplifts totalling £6.5 billion, and 2 million food packages have been distributed. The state should not provide everything; there must be fairness towards taxpayers who will ultimately pay for this debt. The Government’s plans originally involved local authorities providing support, but a summer food fund has now been established to ensure children do not go hungry over the holidays. This approach targets those most affected by the outbreak. During the furloughing scheme alone, up to £100 billion could be spent; it will still operate during school holidays and into autumn.

Tonia Antoniazzi Lab

Gower

She spoke about the importance of free school meals during holidays, highlighting the work done by Marcus Rashford to push for this change. She emphasised that her efforts as an MP include running schemes such as recycling uniforms and distributing packed lunches over summer holidays. She also highlighted the contrast between Wales' higher allowances compared to England.

Sally-Ann Hart

She acknowledged the need for state intervention during times of crisis but argued against a large state role, advocating instead for small government and individual responsibility. She expressed concern about dependency on institutions like food banks and emphasised the importance of addressing root causes of neglect rather than just providing financial support.

Mike Amesbury

He thanked Marcus Rashford for his efforts and acknowledged that while the Prime Minister's U-turn was a victory, it did not address the long-term issues of poverty. He highlighted the IPPR estimates suggesting 200,000 more children could fall into poverty due to the pandemic.

Dean Russell Con

Dover

Paid tribute to Jo Cox, emphasised the importance of working together and adapting during the pandemic. Highlighted Government's efforts in furloughing workers, providing bounce-back loans for businesses, and ensuring vulnerable children attend school despite challenges. Emphasised the need for collaborative work between Government and voluntary organisations to tackle issues effectively without fear of political repercussions.

Claudia Webbe Lab

Leicester East

Praised Marcus Rashford's work against child hunger and paid tribute to Dev Sharma. Criticised the Government for allowing 200,000 children to go hungry and increasing poverty among African, Asian, and minority ethnic communities. Described stark poverty in her constituency, noting that many working families still struggle with basic needs like food and heating. Highlighted reduced central funding per pupil and poor educational attainment rates compared to national averages.

Diana R. Johnson Lab

Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

Acknowledged Government's economic measures during the pandemic but criticised lack of a strategic plan for education and children. Praised Marcus Rashford and long-standing campaigners against holiday hunger. Cited historical provisions for free school meals during holidays in 1960s-70s, highlighting current figures showing high poverty rates in her constituency (24% on free school meals). Questioned the Government about local authority funding, reimbursement to schools dealing with Edenred system difficulties, continuation of support beyond holidays, and lack of funds from £9 million scheme for holiday activities.

Alison McGovern Lab

Birkenhead

Alison McGovern criticised the Conservative government's welfare cuts and their impact on child poverty. She pointed out that four successive Tory Chancellors have pushed over half a million children into poverty, stressing the need for immediate action to address food insecurity.

Emma Lewell Lab

South Shields

Emma Lewell expressed gratitude towards the Government's decision but noted it should not have taken the intervention of Marcus Rashford. She critiqued the government's delayed response and emphasised the need for more transparency regarding food bank use statistics.

Nick Smith Lab

Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney

Nick Smith shared his personal experiences of growing up in a single-parent home, highlighting the importance of free school meals during tough times. He urged the Government to support children who need help over the summer break.

Apsana Begum Lab

Poplar and Limehouse

Apsana Begum highlighted systemic inequalities faced by ethnic minorities exacerbated by austerity measures, calling for a thorough examination of policies on how they impact different groups. She demanded clarity from the Government regarding their assessment of the impact of not rolling out free school meals vouchers.

Nadia Whittome Lab

Nottingham East

The idea that children should not go hungry is an issue of basic morality. The Government conceded to extend free school meals during the summer due to pressure from campaigners and opposition, but this change was not a moral one. There are many children who have no recourse to public funds, including those temporarily eligible for free school meals during the pandemic. These pupils must continue to receive support permanently. It is wrong that children need access to nutritious meals only when they are at school; hunger is always unacceptable regardless of context. The UK has a shameful record on child poverty and hunger with 1.3 million children regularly receiving free school meals, indicating deep-rooted issues in wealth distribution and inequality.

Mike Hill

The north-east has the highest proportion of children and young people receiving free school meals. In Hartlepool, child poverty increased by 7% since 2015, and this trend is exacerbated by the pandemic and economic effects of lockdowns. Local councils such as Hartlepool have stepped up to run holiday hunger programmes despite financial burdens; the Government needs to do more to eradicate child poverty.

Kate Osborne Lab

Jarrow and Gateshead East

As someone who received free school meals, I know what it is like for families struggling to make ends meet. No child should go without food; a nutritious meal improves their concentration and energy levels. With one in three children living in poverty in my constituency, this situation must be addressed. Food banks have become normalised due to economic struggles, but we need to work towards a society where every family can afford basic necessities. The Welsh Government's initiative providing £19.50 per week over summer holidays is commendable and should be replicated nationally.

Kerry McCarthy Lab

Bristol East

Marcus Rashford's campaign led to a U-turn by the Government, but more needs to be done beyond just extending free school meals for the summer. Many children rely on these meals as their only decent meal of the day. Bristol will still run its healthy holidays scheme this year without government support; transparency is needed regarding why some cities receive substantial funding while others do not. Food poverty has escalated due to austerity measures and the pandemic, requiring urgent attention from the Government.

Daniel Zeichner Lab

Cambridge

The free school meal voucher roll-out scheme has been problematic, with head teachers facing issues with Edenred's system. The vouchers do not work in many city shops, causing distress for families. Schools are nervous about choosing alternative schemes due to government encouragement of Edenred as the preferred provider.

Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op

Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

In Vauxhall, there are over 4,000 children on free school meals. The Co-op Group extended its free school meal scheme over the summer holidays in all Co-op academies for 6,000 students across 25 schools. I urge the Government to look at both symptoms and causes of child poverty.

Siobhain McDonagh Lab

Mitcham and Morden

The Government's agreement on free school meals over the summer holidays is welcome, but it does not address the larger issues such as children starting school behind their contemporaries and lack of access to education resources during lockdowns.

Olivia Blake Lab

Sheffield Hallam

Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a significant rise in food insecurity with 1.5 million people reporting going without food for an entire day. The work done by volunteers and charities to combat hunger is commendable but not sufficient to address structural issues such as low pay and insufficient social security.

Rushanara Ali Lab

Bethnal Green and Stepney

Ministers said they would do whatever it takes, but reality shows a morally bankrupt approach. Two hundred thousand children have skipped meals during the lockdown. Local authorities struggle with £50 million income loss in Tower Hamlets. The Government must address deep-rooted causes of child poverty and hunger.

Yvette Cooper Lab

Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

Councillors and volunteers deliver food parcels to children. Marcus Rashford's campaign pressured the Government into a U-turn on free school meals during summer holidays. We need continuous action to tackle child hunger and poverty beyond campaigns.

Kevan Jones

In my constituency, 1,570 people joined the claimant count since March due to economic effects of the virus in more deprived areas. If the amendment had been on Order Paper, Conservative Members would vote against free school meals over summer holidays.

Rachel Hopkins Lab

Luton South and South Bedfordshire

3,231 children across Luton South rely on free school meals. Research shows 46% of children in Luton South lived in relative poverty before coronavirus crisis, with many experiencing in-work poverty due to low pay and insecure work. Free school meals provide nutrition crucial for child development.

Helen Hayes Lab

Dulwich and West Norwood

Paying tribute to Marcus Rashford's effort that led to the Government extending free school meal voucher scheme during summer holidays. Community organisations have been working hard since March to address food insecurity due to coronavirus.

Sam Tarry

Welcomes the Government’s U-turn but highlights it should not be necessary given a high-profile intervention from Marcus Rashford. Ilford South has over 4,000 children claiming free school meal vouchers and could see this figure rise with more people on furlough.

Tulip Siddiq Lab

Hampstead and Highgate

Expresses gratitude towards the Minister for her decision despite initial opposition from Dominic Cummings. Mentions chilling statistics on food insecurity but underlines the personal tragedy behind each statistic. Shares a story of a young mother struggling to feed her children and highlights long-term impacts of child hunger such as stunted growth, mental health damage, and educational setbacks. Questions why the decision was delayed and urges for continued support beyond summer.

Vicky Ford Con

South Suffolk

Thanked everyone for their contributions, particularly highlighted the efforts of Marcus Rashford and other supporters. Emphasised that more than £150 million worth of vouchers had been redeemed by families and schools, and announced additional funding for a COVID summer food fund to support children eligible for free school meals. Also mentioned government initiatives such as investment in support for adoptive families, foster carers, care leavers, and those with disabilities. She stated that getting all children back into school is vital due to the importance of education, especially for disadvantaged children.

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Free School Meals: Summer Holidays

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