LAST NIGHT pleas for the extension of free school meals were voted down.

The campaign which was headed by Marcus Rashford was debated on 21st October, following a powerful campaign and petition which reached over 300,000 public signatures.

The motion would have provided 1.4 million disadvantaged children in England with weekly £15 vouchers during holidays. The scheme was proposed to have been in place until Easter 2021.

The government even ruled out extending support across next week’s half-term in England. Wales however, promised food support until next spring.

During the debate, Taiwo Owatemi, Labour MP for Coventry North West shared an impassioned plea to the Conservatives. 

A heartbreaking result for families across the country

She said: “I am completely saddened that we are talking about free school meals as if it is a luxury. I was on free school meals and I know how important it was for me and my family.

“Food is not a luxury. It is a basic human right that children should never be hungry. Whether at school, or at home.”

Following the result, Owatemi took to Twitter, revealing that she is “heartbroken for families across the country.”

Prior to the debate, the Manchester United and England footballer warned MP’s not to “turn a blind eye” to vulnerable children in need.

Once the motion’s defeat was announced, he took to Twitter once again, saying: “Put aside all the noise, the digs, the party politics and let’s focus on the reality.

“A significant number of children are going to bed tonight not only hungry but feeling like they do not matter because of comments that have been made today.

“We must stop stigmatising, judging and pointing fingers. Our views are being clouded by political affiliation.

“This is not politics, this is humanity.”

Tory MP Caroline Ansell has resigned over the rejected motion. Ansell explained her decision to the BBC: “In these unprecedented times I am very concerned to be doing all we can to help lower income families and their children who are really struggling due to the impact of the virus.”

She acknowledged that though food vouchers are “not perfect”, they could have supported those who were struggling financially due to the pandemic.

Rashford has promised to continue campaigning. He urged those who can to donate here.