Lib Dems Disappointed MP Voted Against Free School Meal Extension

Members of Bromsgrove Liberal Democrats have criticised Sajid Javid for voting against the extension of the free school meals scheme to enable the poorest children to be given meal vouchers during the school holidays.

Councillor Siobhan Hughes commented, "As a teacher I see first-hand the real problems our children are facing. Our schools are working around the clock to support the most vulnerable children whilst at school but I really worry for when school holidays come. I would urge our MP Sajid Javid to listen to local residents demands and change his position on this. Let's make sure no child goes hungry this Christmas".

Dr David Nicholl quoted the study by "End Child Poverty" that found that 22 % of Bromsgrove children were living in poverty in May '19. In addition, The Trussell Trust reported a 20% increase in 3-day emergency parcels for Bromsgrove provided between April and September 2019 compared to the previous year. "These were really concerning figures before the pandemic; we know for sure that now there are even more families struggling to make ends meet due to the effects of Covid-19. Our MP stood for election on a manifesto of "levelling up" and yet votes against providing a basic essential to the most vulnerable in our society".

Local campaigner, Samuel Evans added "Providing free school meals should not be a political issue, it's a moral one. Lib Dem education minister Kirsty Williams in Wales has ensured that no child goes hungry, but sadly the Conservatives in England don't seem interested in tackling hunger poverty for our children."

The local Lib Dem team hopes the Government responds to the public outcry against the decision and acts to protect those families most in need of support over coming months.