Demonstrators show their feelings to Kenilworth's MP after voting against free school meals

By James Smith

5th Aug 2021 | Local News

Following a vote in parliament at the end of October that went against the motion for extending free school meals to low income families, a group of demonstrators have shown their feelings to Kenilworth's MP Jeremy Wright this weekend.

The parliamentary vote came after Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford, and many others had been pushing for free school meals for children during half term and beyond.

The labour-led proposal would have given eligible children a £15 a week food voucher even during the holidays, but was defeated by 322 votes to 261 - with a majority of 61.

Only five Conservatives rebelled against the Government to vote for feeding more than 1.4 million children during school breaks.

This did not include the MP for Kenilworth and Southam, nor any of the conservative MPs in the county.

On Saturday (October 31) demonstrators, including National Education Union members, attached empty paper plates to the front wall of Mr Wright's Kenilworth office, with appropriate slogans to express their views about the MPs' failure to back free school holiday meals.

As well as Mr Wright, National Education Union members organised protests during the last few days outside the offices of the four other Warwickshire MPs, with the protests being supported by members of political parties and other trade unions, as well as individual members of the public.

Warwickshire National Education Union Officer Simon O'Hara said after the protest "It was heart-warming to see community groups, businesses, political groups individuals and religious organisations 'step up to the plate' last week, and it has been inspirational to see the work that Marcus Rashford has done, but this can never be the answer.

"The answer to child hunger should never have to rely on charity. MPs don't seem to have a problem with their expenses and food subsidies coming from the taxpayers' pocket.

"We're not going away. We are committed to continuing to try to force this callous government to provide vouchers for FSM children during the Xmas holidays.

"In 2020, in the middle of a global pandemic, we will continue to say about this government's heartless treatment of FSM children and their families - Not In Our Name."

Kenilworth businesses had already responded to the parliamentary vote as many offered free meals to families in need over the half term holiday.

     

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