NORTH Herefordshire MP Bill Wiggin has explained why he voted against England football star Marcus Rashford’s bid to extend free school meals over the holidays.

The Manchester United player had urged politicians to “unite” to protect the most vulnerable children and vowed to continue campaigning, writing on Twitter: “For as long as they don’t have a voice, they will have mine.”

He released a statement after Labour’s motion, which called for the scheme to be extended over school holidays until Easter 2021, was defeated by 261 votes to 322 – majority 61.

Both of county’s MPs Bill Wiggin and Jesse Norman were among those who voted with the Government to defeat the motion.

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Mr Wiggin said he recognises the strength of feeling over the issue and he too wants to do all he can to alleviate child food poverty.

But the Conservative MP does not believe that the proposals put forward by Labour are the best way of tackling the issue.

He said the best way to support families all year round is through Universal Credit rather than government subsidising meals for families in their own homes Mr Wiggin also said the Government has already taken significant action to make sure children and their families do not go hungry during the coronavirus pandemic.

“This has included extending free school meals support to those eligible when schools were partially closed, increasing universal credit by £20 a week, funding councils to provide emergency food assistance to families, and allocating £63 million to councils for families in hardship,” he said.

“The national free school meals voucher scheme saw over £380 million worth of voucher codes redeemed into supermarket e-gift cards by schools and families with over 20,000 schools placing orders.

“Ministers have also supported families through this difficult period with almost £53 billion worth of income protection schemes, and £9.3 billion of additional welfare payments.”

Mr Wiggin said ministers also took the unprecedented step this year of extending the free school meals programme over the summer holidays.

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“As you will know, provision for free school meals is ordinarily term time only, but I think it was right that ministers recognised the extremely difficult situation families were put in by coronavirus and took the unprecedented action they did.”

However, he says the country is now in a different position with all the schools back open.

“It is important to remember that free school meals are not a general welfare measure.

“They are aimed at providing healthy meals for children in school to ensure disadvantaged students can learn to the best of their ability.”

Mr Wiggin believes the best way to support families all year round is through Universal Credit rather than government subsidising meals for families in their own homes.

“A wide range of financial and other support is already available to help families, such as the £9 million summer holiday activities and food programme.

“I was glad to see that the recent debate recognised the steps the Government has taken.”

He also said the language used by Labour does a great disservice to those they claim to represent.

“I do not want to see any child go hungry and it must be remembered that we all seek to reach the same end just by different means. I hope this explains why I voted the way I did.”

  • We have contacted Mr Norman for a comment and are awaiting his reply.