Labour spokesperson rules out universal free school meals expansion
28 Jun 2023
A Labour spokesperson has ruled out the possibility of extending free school meals to every child in the country if it was to win the next general election, it was reported by The Times.
It is estimated that rolling out free school meals to every primary schoolchild in England would cost around £1Bn a year of taxpayers money. Currently every child in reception, year one and year two are eligible to receive free school meals in England.
According to The Times, the Labour spokesperson said: “This is not Labour policy and we have no plans to implement it. 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.”