Footballer Marcus Rashford who began the campaign to pressure the Government into extending free school meals has celebrated after receiving a phone call from the Prime Minister. Boris Johnson phoned the Manchester United player to thank him for his campaign to help extend free school meals for school children from poorer families. The Government has now pledged an extra £170 million to fund the extension of free school meals.

This is a sudden climbdown by the Government who argued that Universal Credit should be enough for families to get by.

However, Mr Rashford, who was awarded an MBE last month for his campaign, said he is still concerned about the children who would miss out on help “because their family income isn’t quite enough”.

Mr Rashford added: “The intent the government have shown today is nothing but positive and they should be recognised for that.

“The steps made today will improve the lives of near 1.7 million children in the UK over the next 12 months, and that can only be celebrated.”

Source: Express

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