FREE SCHOOL MEALS FOR INFANT PUPILS

Motion Text

That this House notes with concern the possible abolition of the coalition Government's free school meals programme in November's spending review; is aware of the Government's demanded cuts of between 25 and 40 per cent from unprotected budgets and views with deep disquiet speculation that free school meals are at risk; is very proud of the introduction of free school meals for all pupils in the first three years of schooling in England; recognises the importance of universal infant free school meals for nutritional standards and for the purposes of bonding over a hot meal; further recognises and supports the call of 40 leading health professionals for free school meals to be protected to avoid harm to children's health; urges the Government not to indulge in short-term thinking; and therefore calls on the Government decisively to protect free school meals for infant pupils.