Here is why our MP, Kwasi Kwarteng, voted against free school meals
In his own words
We have seen several replies all of which are identical. See further down for our thoughts on this response.
Dear Mr Bateson
Thank you for your email of 24th October about free school meals.
This is a highly emotive issue, and it is a key responsibility of Government to ensure that our most vulnerable children do not go hungry.
I believe that this vital support is best given through the welfare system, and this is why I voted against the recent Opposition motion.
Since March, the Government has injected an additional £9 billion into the system to protect the most vulnerable through these difficult months. Support has been directly targeted at those on the lowest incomes. Both the Universal Credit standard allowance and the Working Tax Credit basic element have been increased, and £63 million in welfare assistance funding has been provided to support families with urgent needs, including for over the October half-term.
Much more extra funding is being made available through changes to the welfare system than the Opposition motion would have offered. Rather than a short-term sticking plaster, the Government is committed to a more long-term solution, through the welfare system, to support the most vulnerable families through these difficult times.
Yours sincerely
Kwasi Kwarteng MP
Spelthorne Liberal Democrats believe Kwasi Kwarteng's claim does not ring true given his hard-hearted refusal to back a u-turn on free school meals.
The idea that other measures will make up for the lack of provision just won't wash - people know the real struggles that families are enduring. That is why so many communities and businesses have stepped in to provide support while this callous Government stands by.
The Liberal Democrats want to see a firm commitment from the Conservatives not only to extending free school meals through holiday periods, but also expanding eligibility to ensure any child from a family receiving universal credit can access this lifeline.
