Free School Meals

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:10 pm on 3 November 2020.

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Photo of Joyce Watson Joyce Watson Labour 2:10, 3 November 2020

I thank you for that. With so much uncertainty around, at least those families now know that holiday provision will continue, as you say, over the Christmas period, and through to next April. Now, that, of course, is with no thanks to the Conservative MPs in my region, including the Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart, who voted against giving families in England that same security. Neither is it commensurate with the views of Philip Davies, Tory MP, who thinks it's mere virtue signalling and that it is the responsibility of parents, not the state, to feed hungry children. But, I do remain concerned, though, that more families who don't have recourse to public funds may struggle to make ends meet this winter. I know local authorities have the discretion to provide free school meals to any pupil that they know to be in need, but I would ask you, First Minister, if you would encourage local authorities in Wales, before the Christmas break, to ensure that the needs in their area are being met, and that no child goes hungry. And again, thank you for the most generous provision for free school meals in any part of the UK.