Katy Balls Katy Balls

Will No. 10 U-turn over Marcus Rashford’s school meals plea?

How long will the government’s decision not to provide free school meal vouchers over the summer last? Away from arguments about the two-metre rule and allegations of lobbying, Boris Johnson has inadvertently found himself in a high profile disagreement with England striker Marcus Rashford. 

On Monday, Rashford, 22, called for the free school meal voucher system for low-income families to be extended over the summer – speaking of his own personal experience relying on the scheme when he was younger. However, his request was declined – with the Prime Minister’s spokesman responding:

The Prime Minister understands the issues facing families across the UK, which is why last week the government announced an additional £63 million for local authorities to benefit families who are struggling to afford food and other basic essentials.

But this has not put Rashford off – he writes in today’s Times calling for MPs to set aside their political differences and back the measure.

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