Last night David Duguid MP voted with the government in a move that stopped the poorest school children in England getting free school meals during the holidays. Scotland & Wales have both made provision for children from low-income households to continue to get free school meals during any holidays until Easter 2021.
I asked Mr Duguid’s office if he had a statement or comment on why he voted to stop English school children getting the same benefits as their peers in Scotland & Wales.
Can you ask David why he voted against supporting free school meals for pupils in England at the vote this evening please?
This is the response
First from his press & comms guy
Just to be clear, David voted for the motion (amended by the government and passed unanimously) which read as follows:
David Duguid, Scottish Conservative MP for Banff and Buchan, said
While last night’s vote does not apply to Scotland, I think it’s important to make the point that the best way to support families that are struggling financially is through our welfare system.
This Conservative government has committed an extra £9billion this year to strengthen that safety net to make sure the most vulnerable get the support they need.
In England, pupils will continue to receive free school meals during term time, and local councils have been given £63million extra to provide emergency assistance where required.
In Scotland, policy on education, including free school meals, is the responsibility of the Scottish Government.
