Marcus Rashford Forces Boris Johnson To Make A U-Turn On Free Meals For Kids

Manchester United forward, 22-year-old Marcus Rashford has won a major concession from the government to continue giving free school meal vouchers during the holidays.

About 1.3 million children will get free school meal vouchers during the holidays, thanks to footballer Marcus Rashford.

The Manchester United forward welcomed the six-week voucher for eligible children, saying: “Look at what we can do when we come together.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the move was a “welcome U-turn”.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised Mr Rashford’s “contribution to the debate around poverty”.

All children eligible for free school meals in term time in England will benefit from the “Covid summer food fund”, Downing Street said.

The support works out as about £15 a week per recipient, and will cost about £120m.

BBC political correspondent Chris Mason said he was told this was “additional funding agreed by the Treasury”.