Lib Dems 'taking food out of the mouths of children'

---

Labour MP Sharon Hodgson launched an attack on the Liberal Democrats in a Westminster Hall debate on free school meals yesterday.

She said: “The Lib Dems are taking the food out of the mouths of children in poverty, and this is what they have actually come into politics for."

"I hope that their ministerial salaries and cars are worth it, and that all the hard-working people up and down the country, who voted Liberal Democrat are happy with the decisions that their elected representatives are taking on their behalf,” she added.

Hodgeson referred to The Lib Dems in Hull who have scrapped the free school meals programme which proved a popular hit with local parents who have to pay once more for their children’s lunch.

"In future, the mantra will not be, “Vote Lib Dem, get Tory”; it will be, “Vote Lib Dem, increase child poverty,” she added.

Hodgeson then asked the government to consider extending the free school meals programme.

She suggested a free school meals programme could help reduce child poverty. She also referred Labour’s bid to implement a ‘universal free meals programme’, but the recession prevented this agenda.

As a compromise the Labour government formulated a policy to launch a free schools programme, one in each region. This would provide 500,000 children with free school meals and lift 50,000 out of poverty.

Hodgson pointed out the number of families living below the poverty line who could not afford the £20 per week required for their child to have a packed lunch.

"All this is why my colleagues have campaigned so continually for the last 4 years," she remarked.

Gregory Campbell (DUP, East Londonderry) asked: "Does she agree that an additional spin-off effect would be that if each child was able to access a free, nutritious and healthy meal, it would help in the battle against childhood obesity?"

Hodgson replied: "Members from all parties agree that the education and health of our children is of utmost importance.

"That more than justifies the - admittedly considerable - spending commitment that such a policy would entail.

“It is estimated that obesity costs the NHS £3.5 billion a year and the figure is set to rise, so this is a cost worth paying to save money in the long run," added Hodgson.

Hodgson also attacked the Conservatives. She said: "The conservatives have made a commitment to eradicate child poverty by 2020.

“In the last few weeks a number of policies made tax credit cuts free swim would fit in well to get people back to work."

George Freeman (Con, Mid Norfolk) replied to Hodgson’s demands saying the pilot free school meal schemes would continue, but it would not be extended.

"It turns out that the promise to extend the pilot was an unfunded promise by the former government.

"Having inherited bankrupt public finances, it would be irresponsible to continue to do something for which there is no money," explained Freeman.

Article Comments