Isle of Wight MP Richard Quigley has welcomed the Labour Government’s announcement to extend free school meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit, calling it an ‘important moment’ in the fight against child poverty.
The move is set to benefit over 6,000 children across the Isle of Wight, including approximately 3,000 children in Quigley’s ward (Isle of Wight West), ensuring more pupils receive a nutritious meal each school day.
Speaking on the extension, MP Quigley has said:
“This is the kind of decisive action that shows the power of a Labour government.
“Around 3,000 children in my constituency will now have access to free school meals — helping them to learn, thrive and stay healthy. Every child deserves a fair start in life, and this policy helps make that a reality.”
The policy is part of Labour’s Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity and
ease the burden on working families. Key features include:
- Free school meals for all children in households on Universal Credit, regardless of income threshold
- Up to £500 per year saved per eligible child, easing the cost of living for families
- A projected 100,000 children lifted out of poverty nationwide
- Support for better behaviour, attendance and academic performance in schools
This measure comes alongside over £13 million in funding to redirect surplus food – which might otherwise be wasted – to children and families in need, including through schools.
Until now, children were only eligible for free school meals if their family earned less than £7,400 annually, leaving hundreds of thousands of children in poverty excluded from support. The new policy closes that gap.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“Working parents across the country are doing everything they can to provide for their families, but many are being held back by the cost-of-living crisis. Feeding more children every day, for free, is one of the biggest interventions we can make to ease that pressure, tackle child poverty, and help children learn. This expansion is a truly historic moment.”
Richard Quigley MP said:
“While I am, of course, delighted by today’s announcement, we must not pretend that the fight against child poverty is over. I sincerely hope this is just the beginning – and that we’ll see further action following the publication of the Child Poverty Taskforce’s recommendations.
That said, the fact that around 6,000 children on the Isle of Wight will now be able to go to school well-nourished and ready to learn is a fantastic moment for our Island. This is about giving every child the chance to succeed — and today marks real progress in that mission.”
They aren’t free, they are paid for by our taxes.
If you can’t feed your own kids, don’t have them.
Labour at it’s vanity project best.
Contraception is available at all good Pharmacy’s
When have he disagreed with Labour. Give us Joe Robertson.
Ahhh,the ever absent quigley,doing a “seeley” and welcoming something but doing little else,how are the ferries doing quigley?
you know,the one you said you would sort out in 100 days,like seeley,as much use as a chocolate teapot!
The Ferries are an utter disgrace.
Ahhh,the ever absent quigley,doing a “seeley” and welcoming something but doing little else,how are the ferries doing quigley?
you know,the one you said you would sort out in 100 days,like seeley,as much use as a chocolate teapot!
your leader is still full of crap with the above statement,send the illegals back,close the borders,and you would save trillions,not 500 measly quid!
a projected 100,000 out of poverty?
what about the migrunts that are breeding like rats ?
Maybe they are the persons who will be going to
war for this country.
I cannot imagine any born and bred persons in the UK
fighting for this country.
My late father did in WW2, what was his reward a bunch
of medals and the lowest Pension in Europe.
Many people have finally woken up and smelt the
Coffee.
Gen Z ers will be too busy tik tok ing or getting their
nails done
Lol
Give us a bridge instead.
For four years, I volunteered with a Money Advice Charity, offering representation to those who had got themselves into debt. Not everything is as black and white.
There are people out there who, through divorce, loss of employment, and bereavement, end up in debt. Representation by engaging with the Creditors on the person’s behalf leads to a structured payment plan to clear the debt. In some cases, a person’s income may never be sufficient to pay off the debt, making a Debt Relief Order a final solution.
Some people, however, take no responsibility for getting into debt. I’ve seen people favour new nails, an expensive hairdo, or a new frock, instead of using the money to feed their children or pay off their debts. Many take advantage of free services, such as food banks, school meals clubs, and ‘pay if you can afford it’ restaurants, which charitable organisations run. Yet, they find money to fuel their cigarette and alcohol consumption.
Continually giving in to those who take no responsibility for their actions will lead to a rise in charities bailing them out. Yes, it is right we help those in need, but many are just taking the piss of generousity.
Not to mention wasting money on Vapes and
Tattoo’s
Lol
I wonder if Mr Quigley would consider donating free chips?
Free meals for OAPs
Apparently from a close friend at present they are lousy
Whilst I agree that people should not have children they cannot afford and that some children live in poverty as a direct result of the fecklessness of their parents, are people really suggesting that the sins of those parents should be visited on the children? That we should ignore the fact that some kids are going to school hungry with all that follows for their ability to learn and their future success? It is the sign of a civilized society to see past the blame and the judgement and simply to help those children who are in such dire straits simply because of an accident of birth. I hope we are better than that.
IT’s all right Quigley, everyone knows you’re a complete tosser and there’s no way you will ever get in again.
A born and bread lying politician, now sod off.