Tulip Siddiq responds to announcement that Free School Meals will not be provided over February half term

Tulip Siddiq MP, Labour’s Shadow Apprenticeships and Lifelong Learning Minister, responding to the news that Free School Meals will not be provided over February half-term, said:

“Time and time again this government has had to be shamed into providing food for hungry children over school holidays. Stopping Free School Meals support over half-term will be devastating for many families who are living on the breadline in this pandemic.

“The Prime Minister’s claim to be morally outraged at images of woefully inadequate food parcels will ring hollow for parents who are worried about whether they will be able to put food on the table for their children over half-term.”

Ends

Notes to editors

• Schools do not need to provide lunch parcels or vouchers during the February half-term. There is wider government support in place to support families and children outside of term-time through the Covid Winter Grant Scheme.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools

• Holiday activities and food programme 2021 does not make provision for half-term holidays, “The programme will cover the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays in 2021.” https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/holiday-activities-and-food-programme/holiday-activities-and-food-programme-2021#whats-involved