A LETTER signed by 90,000 people has been handed in by Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana calling on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to introduce free school meals for all children.
The letter has been signed by over 240 civil society leaders including Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Ms Sultana joined other MPs and campaigners outside Downing Street to hand in the letter earlier this week.
Her Free School Meals for All Bill was first introduced to Parliament in December.
It received the backing of Coventry Foodbank founder Gavin Kibble MBE, who said around 36 per cent of those receiving help from the organisation were children.
Free school meals in Scotland were extended in 2020 while in Wales the Government has committed to free school meals for every child by 2024.
In England, free school meals are currently available to children up to the end of year two.
After that, children are entitled to free school meals if parents or guardians receive benefits including universal credit, where households have an annual income under £7,400.
Ms Sultana said: “Every child should be able to have a hot, healthy meal each day, but this is being denied to kids up-and-down the country, forcing them to learn on empty stomachs – and things are getting worse as the cost-of-living crisis pushes even more families into poverty.
“Free school meals for all would tackle this injustice, guaranteeing every child in England – no matter their background – gets a decent meal each day.
“This policy is achievable and affordable – it’s being done in Wales, Scotland and London. The only thing missing is the political will.”
