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'Help Is Already Available' - Isle Of Wight MP Defends School Meals Vote

The Isle of Wight's MP has defended his decision to vote against plans to extend free school meals for children, saying "there is already substantial additional support" available.

As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, Bob Seely helped to defeat the motion, which was spearheaded by Marcus Rashford.

The footballer wanted food vouchers to continue to be made available through the school holidays. The scheme was temporarily extended earlier this year after Rashford forced the Government into a U-turn.

Mr Seely said he "welcomed" the move during the period of partial school closures and over the school holidays.

However, after voting down last night's motion to extend the scheme, he says "significant additional help is already going to families on the Island and across Britain."

He said:

"While schools were restricted from opening to all pupils, additional support was given to families in recognition of the unprecedented levels of disruption and uncertainty for Island schools during this time. However, provision for free schools' meals is ordinarily term time only. 

"There is already substantial additional support for Islanders, such as increased universal credit among other measures, which has already been put in place to help families through this crisis and to ensure children and their families do not go hungry. The Government has put in £9 billion extra into welfare support already and £63 million to help Councils support families in need, so significant additional help is already going to families on the Island and across Britain."

MP Bob Seely is instead encouraging Island families who are struggling to feed their children to get in touch with him.

He said:

"I am very aware that many families are going through tough times at the moment, and this is reflected in the increasing numbers of children being registered for free school meals. On this matter, my team and I are working hard to ensure Islanders get the support they need. However, if you or your family are struggling, I urge Islanders to contact me.

"Ministers are monitoring this situation closely. I welcome the publication of the first part of the National Food Strategy, which will kick start a full review of our food system.

"I have read with interest the recommendations made in the report, in particular those concerning nutrition for disadvantaged families and children. A key recommendation is to expand the number of eligible children for free school meals by an additional 1.5 million, taking the total number of children to 2.6 million.

"The coronavirus outbreak has made the importance of good nutrition for children even clearer. I know that Ministers will consider these recommendations carefully."

Mr Seely's vote against the plans have provoked outrage on social media with opposition parties, including Island Labour and an Isle of Wight Green Party spokesperson, criticising his decision.

 

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