Local Labour welcome ‘shameful’ government U-turn on free school meals

Constituency Labour parties in Hillingdon have welcomed the government’s U-turn on providing free school meals to children in low income families over the summer holidays.

Despite benefiting 1.3 million children and costing only £120m, the government were initially opposed to the idea and looked set to vote against it in parliament. However, following a concerted campaign led by the Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford, and supported by the Labour Party in parliament, the government were forced to reverse their stance.

In reaction to the U-turn, Uxbridge & South Ruislip constituency Labour Party issued a joint statement with the Ruislip, Northwood & Pinner constituency Labour Party welcoming the change.

Ali Milani, who stood against Boris Johnson in Uxbridge & South Ruislip constituency at the 2019 general election reacted by saying, ‘I’m pleased that the government has seen sense and will be extending free school meals over the summer. Had it not been for Marcus Rashford, Boris Johnson was prepared to let over a million children go hungry. As someone who was a recipient of free school meals, and as a Manchester United fan, I’m particularly proud of the part Marcus and many football supporters played’.

Peymana Assad, who was the Labour candidate in Ruislip, Northwood & Pinner, also benefited from the scheme and added, ‘I’m proud that my party backed this campaign. The government must now act quickly and work in partnership with schools and local authorities to ensure the meals reach those who need them over the summer holidays’.