Free school meals backed

Children in school

MEP Paul Nuttall is backing a petition urging the government to extend free school dinners to all children living in poverty.

“The estimated number of children living in poverty in England who are missing out on free school meals is a staggering 1.2 million,” he said.

The campaigning group, 38 Degrees and The Children’s Society are handing over a petition today (Tue) to David Cameron asking for these free meals to be extended to all children living in poverty.

“It is argued that the introduction of the new benefits system - universal credit - means that the government could easily permit this and I support this campaign to bring this about,” said Mr Nuttall, UKIP Euro-MP for the North West.

“The number of food banks in Britain has doubled in the past year which is indicative of problems facing families and it is important that the most vulnerable in society get at least one decent meal a day.

“According to 38 Degrees, 91% of the British public think widening access to free school dinners is a good idea and so do I. “