Labour infighting as Starmer rules out free school meals for all
Labour infighting as Keir Starmer rules out introducing free school meals for all primary children despite Sadiq Khan doing it in London because rolling it out nationwide could cost £1billion every year
- London mayor has introduced local scheme and urged government to emulate
- But party says no plan to introduce England-wide programme amid cost fears
Labour is braced for an internal row over free school meals for all primary-age pupils after Sir Keir Starmer ruled out doing it on cost grounds.
Senior party figures in power including London mayor Sadiq Khan have already introduced local programmes to feed all youngsters regardless of need.
But the party leadership is resisting pressure to roll out such programmes to the whole of England if they win the next election, after it was estimated it could cost taxpayers £1billion a year.
Sir Keir has made financial prudence a key plank of his plan to win the next election, amid worsening economic conditions in the UK.
Currently all children in England at maintained state schools are eligible for free dinners until the end of Year 2, after which it is means tested. Extending it had provoked ‘stormy’ discussions within the party, the Financial Times reported.
A Labour spokesman said: ‘This is not Labour policy and we have no plans to implement it.
Senior party figures in power including London mayor Sadiq Khan have already introduced local programmes to feed all youngsters regardless of need.
But the party leadership is resisting pressure to roll out such programmes to the whole of England if they win the next election, after it was estimated it could cost taxpayers £1billion a year.
‘Labour recognises the cost of living crisis that families are facing across the country. That’s why our policy of universal free breakfast clubs for primary school pupils will make a big difference to families facing financial pressure while giving children the best start to their day.’
Mr Khan today unveiled a taxpayer-funded £130million plan to give all London primary schoolchildren free meals in February – and suggested the scheme should be copied nationwide.
The capital’s mayor will fund meals for one year from September for up to 270,000 students, funded by business rates paid by firms, in a move he said would save families up to £440 per child.
According to the Food Foundation, an estimated 800,000 children in England are living in poverty but do not qualify for free school meals.
Currently, households in England receiving Universal Credit must earn below £7,400 a year before benefits and after tax to qualify for free school meals.
Mr Khan said he was ‘stepping forward’ after years of Government inaction.
He followed it up last month by trying to pressure the government into following his lead, saying: ‘Families need this now more than ever.’
The Labour government is rolling out free meals gradually, with a £70million programme to cover years Three and Four from September. It will then cover years Five and Six from September 2024.
The SNP Government in Scotland has already brought in the measure.
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