MPs across East Lancashire have been reacting after a major U-turn by the Government over free school meals.

The Government announced that it would be setting up a ‘Covid Summer Food Fund’ – amounting to £15 a week per child - following a campaign by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford.

Ribble Valley Conservative MP, Nigel Evans, welcomed the U-turn and said it “should have been done sooner”.

“It's a shame that it wasn't done earlier and I'm sure everybody will get behind this.

“It's quite clear, particularly in current circumstances, that we ensure all youngsters are going to be able to have access to healthy food during the school holidays.

“I think enough pressure has been put on government for them to see sense and the campaign by Marcus Rashford has been 1,000% successful.”

Mr Evans added that the campaign had “highlighted an issue that needs to be addressed” and said the Government should be looking to provide support over summer in future years as well.

Blackburn's Labour MP, Kate Hollern, also welcomed the news.

She said: "This is a welcome U-turn from the government and a victory for the 1.3 million children who were at risk of going hungry this summer.

"It is thanks to the amazing work of Marcus Rashford and campaigners that the Government has had no choice but to reverse its decision.

"The Government must now confirm that this new money will be for the direct provision of free school meals to all eligible children."

Also welcoming the news was Lancashire County Council, who said it was “great news” for many families in the county.

A council spokesperson said: “The extension of the free school meals voucher scheme over the summer is great news for many Lancashire families.

“We know that this scheme has been an invaluable help to parents to ensure that thousands of our children have not gone hungry through the coronavirus crisis and we welcome the government's decision to continue it.

“We'd also like to thank Marcus Rashford for raising this important issue in such a compassionate and constructive way.”

Announcing the change in policy, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Owing to the coronavirus pandemic the Prime Minister fully understands that children and parents face an entirely unprecedented situation over the summer.

“To reflect this, we will be providing a Covid Summer Food Fund. This will provide food vouchers covering the six-week holiday period.

“This is a specific measure to reflect the unique circumstances of the pandemic.

“The scheme will not continue beyond the summer and those eligible will be those who already qualify for free school meals."

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