Marcus Rashford’s campaign for the government to extend the free school meals scheme throughout the summer has proven successful upon the announcement a ‘Covid summer school fund’ is being established.
Rashford, the Manchester United and England forward, earlier this week penned an open letter calling on the government to reverse its decision not to award free school meal vouchers in England outside of term time.
And following the government’s U-turn he shared his joy on social media, writing on Twitter: “Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020.”
As confirmed by Downing Street, the scheme will guarantee all children that are eligible for free school meals during term time will receive a six-week voucher to cover the summer holidays.
It is set to benefit around 1.3million children with support working out at around £15-a-week per recipient. It will cost the taxpayer around £120million.
“Owing to the coronavirus pandemic the Prime Minister fully understands that children and parents face an entirely unprecedented situation over the summer,” said the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson.
“To reflect this we will be providing a Covid Summer Food Fund.
“This will provide food vouchers covering the six-week holiday period.
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“This is a specific measure to reflect the unique circumstances of the pandemic.
“The scheme will not continue beyond the summer and those eligible will be those who already qualify for free school meals.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer reacted to the announcment on Twitter: “This is another welcome u-turn from Boris Johnson.
“The thought of 1.3 million children going hungry this summer was unimaginable.
“Well done to @MarcusRashford and many others who spoke out so powerfully about this issue. #HolidaysWithoutHunger”.
Discussing Rashford, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson added: “The PM welcomes his contribution to the debate around poverty and respects the fact that he has been using his profile as a leading sportsman to highlight important issues.”
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner joined the throng reacting to the government’s U-turn.
“Absolutely excellent news, not a time to gloat but a time to thank @MarcusRashford and other campaigners who have made this possible,” she wrote on Twitter. “I am extremely pleased #HolidaysWithoutHunger”.
Tory MPs Robert Halfon and George Freeman, who had both rebelled to back Mr Rashford’s campaign, added their thoughts.
Mr Freeman tweeted: “Democracy. It’s a beautiful thing. When it works. Well done @MarcusRashford. Delighted.
“The Government can’t & mustn’t give money to *every* campaign: but this was a wise choice for any serious (One Nation Conservatives).”
Other Conservative MPs voiced support for the change in direction, with Bob Seeley tweeting: “I welcome the Government’s announcement to introduce a Covid summer school fund to help feed children during the holidays.
“An important campaign by (Marcus Rashford). I’m glad the Govt listened.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: “Sensational. @MarcusRashford – you have changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of children. A true national hero. Thank you.”
Arsenal fan Piers Morgan, of ITV’s Good Morning Britain, tweeted: “A magnificent victory for @MarcusRashford.”
