EAST Lancashire Euro MP Paul Nuttall is calling for free school meals for all pupils living in poverty.

He is backing a petition to the Prime Minister urging the government to extend the help to all children who need it across the county.

UKIP MEP for the North West Mr Nuttall said: “The estimated number of children living in poverty in England missing out on free school meals is a staggering 1.2 million. Campaigners handed over a petition yesterday to David Cameron asking for these free meals to be extended to all children living in poverty.

“It is argued that the introduction of the new benefits system means that the government could easily permit this. The number of food banks in Britain has doubled in the past year, indicative of problems facing families.”